mbulelo smpofu
Lovemore Dube, lovemore.dube@chronicle.co.zw
FORMER Warriors captain and England-based Benjani Mwaruwari has mourned the loss of football icon, Madodana “Horsepower” Tshabangu, who passed away in South Africa last Monday at 67.
Mwaruwari described Tshabangu as a community and football hero who brought the Bulawayo community together through sports, building bridges and promoting unity in the city.
The former Manchester City star credited Tshabangu for creating a platform that showcased local talent and inspired young players.
Mwaruwari’s own rise to fame was influenced by Tshabangu’s initiatives.
In 1997, he participated in a tournament hosted at Ross Camp in Bulawayo where his impressive skills caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
His involvement drew interest as people wondered about his origins and his journey to where he was. Many believed he was a local boy who had left the Highlanders juniors in 1995 to try his luck in Namibia, but it was eventually revealed that he had left to play for a Chegutu Division One side located in the Northern Region.
His performances saw AmaZulu placing a $40 000 price tag on him, with top teams like Highlanders, Railstars and Zimbabwe Saints vying for his signature.
His impressive long-range shots from the centre, which beat the late Amon Chimbalanga, who was in goal for a select from Makokoba and Mzilikazi, were enough to attract attention and ultimately lead to his success.
Horsepower played a pivotal role in Mwaruwari’s journey as he moved from Chegutu to the University of Zimbabwe FC before transitioning to Air Zimbabwe Jets in the local Premiership.
He scored a brace for the Under-23s in an Olympic qualifier against Botswana in April of 1999.
His skill-set caught the attention of Jomo Cosmos, where he only stayed for a year before moving to Switzerland and then to France.
Ultimately, he wound up in England where he and Portsmouth won the FA Cup, making him the second Zimbabwean to win the tournament after Bruce Grobbelaar.
“He was a community asset and leader. Football and not only the Njube community but Bulawayo as a whole have lost an enigma, a community builder, a man who contributed so much for the common good of the Bulawayo community,” said Mwaruwari.
Mwaruwari conceded that he was previously an unknown entity before the Horsepower tournament in 1997 but had gained a lot in one weekend of football organised by Tshabangu. He said the lives of many players identified there had changed drastically.
“There are several players whose careers were revived or whose rise came through that event. My condolences to the family and Bulawayo as a whole,” said Mwaruwari.
Tshabangu will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Sunday morning.
His body is set to leave Johannesburg, South Africa, today, bound for his Njube home. Upon arrival, it will be taken to a local parlour, where it will lie in state overnight before burial on Sunday.
Tshabangu’s eldest son, Maradona, expressed gratitude to relatives and friends who have come forward to support the family during this difficult time.
Maradona praised the flawless preparations for his father’s funeral, attributing it to the overwhelming support the family has received.
Horsepower is a football legend in his own right and had a storied career playing for Contex, Meikles, Zimalloys and Gweru United.
He is survived by his widow Angeline, sons, Maradona, Ronaldo and Platini and daughter, Serena Zinini.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
