Football fraternity bids Chihoro farewell

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

COLLEAGUES yesterday described the late Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro as a unifying factor who gave his life for the stability of the team.

Chihoro, who died in Chitungwiza on Thursday evening, was buried at Zororo Memorial Park yesterday, with scores of people in attendance.

Dynamos board chairman Bernard Marriot led the graveside eulogies, with club legends — Callisto Pasuwa, Desmond Maringwa, Gift Muzadzi, Simon Chuma, Labani Kandi, Justice Majabvi, Tonderai Ndiraya, and long-serving physiotherapist Knowledge Zambo — all expressing the same sentiments.

“We were so close to one another because of the history that we shared,” said Marriot.

“For him to be at Dynamos, he was recruited by the late Josiah Akende. During that time there were players of the likes of Kuda Muchemeyi, Bernard Chidziva, Hilario Nengare, and Forbes Katongomara.

“This was way back in 1966, and then later on in the early 1980s, Akende found the late David Mandigora.

“So, we were so close, and at one time we formed a team that was called Mutapa Royals. We played together before the team folded.

“We also had the likes of Nelson Matongorere there. But Dynamos has always been the home for us. I think you have seen him (Chihoro) serving in different capacities.

“Just before his death we had promoted him to be the director of football because of his wide knowledge of football. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us,” said Marriot.

Chihoro joined Dynamos as a mere 14-year-old and grew in the system to assume roles of assistant coach, team manager, and, recently, director of football.

He also worked with the junior teams at some point and saw many of the DeMbare legends blossom to become international stars.

“He served Dynamos for many years. We worked with him and respected him in the system largely because of his dedication to the club,” said former DeMbare winger Chuma.

Chihoro won the league championship with DeMbare as assistant coach to the late David Mandigora in 2007 and went on to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League the following year.

Former club captain Maringwa, who was part of the title-winning class, yesterday said Chihoro was a big influence in the changing room.

“He had love and respect for the club and the players. He was a lovable character. His contribution to Dynamos was immense, and he needs to be recognised,” said Maringwa.

Chihoro was also part of the DeMbare side that went on a four-year title-winning streak under Callisto Pasuwa between 2011 and 2013. Pasuwa yesterday paid tribute to the late colleague.

“He was a hard-working guy who unified people on and off the pitch. He was so concerned about the welfare of the players and would even visit their homes to make sure they were okay.

“He also helped us as coaches, and I took him as a brother because of our age difference and the kind of advice he gave. Even in death he is a unifier.

“Chihoro has brought many people together at his funeral, some of whom I had not met before. This shows what kind of person he was. He was a unifier,” said Pasuwa.

Mourners included officials from ZIFA, led by chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa; the Premier Soccer League officials; the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe; and representatives from Premiership clubs like DeMbare’s football rivals, CAPS United, Highlanders, and Scottland.

Football legends who included Stanford Stix Mtizwa, Labani Kandi, Lloyd Chitembwe, Justice Majabvi, Murape Murape, and Lovemore Makwavarara.

Former DeMbare goalkeeper and team manager Gift Muzadzi said Chihoro deserved the big send-off from the foot-ball family.

“Chihoro was not just a manager but a brother and father figure at the same time. Whenever conflicts arose at the club, he would come between us and make sure that we all see things in one direction.

“It will be unfair not to mention his name when we talk about the success that Dynamos enjoyed recently. He was part and parcel of that, and he played crucial roles. He guided the youngsters and imparted the Dynamos culture,” said Muzadzi.

Dynamos vice-chairman Clemence Chimbare said:

“He was a unifying factor at Dynamos. Beginning as a player, he moved into administration. He was the longest-serving team manager at Dynamos.

“We won so many trophies with him as team manager. Recently he was made director of football. As Dynamos, we have been robbed, and we don’t know how we are going to fill the void.”