Innocent Kurira-Sports Reporter
FIFA boss, Gianni Infantino, says the late Rahman Gumbo was a Zimbabwean football HERO who devoted his life to serving the local national game.
Gumbo was laid to rest at Lady Stanley cemetery in his hometown of Bulawayo on Saturday.
Zifa board member, Rosemary Mugadza, conveyed the condolence message from FIFA at the funeral service held at Bulawayo Amphitheatre, before his burial.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of a former international player and a national team coach Rahman Gumbo,” reads the message from Infantino.
“Words do not seem to be adequate to express the sadness as we feel his loss,” read the message from FIFA.
“During his career Rahman Gumbo won several caps for the Zimbabwe national team.
“At club level, he will be remembered for his career at Highlanders where he reached his retirement and started a successful managerial career notable in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi winning several titles.
“He also coached the national team of Zimbabwe in three different stints.
“Legend of Zimbabwe, and one of the leading football figures, his legacy and achievements, in particular his personality, his leadership, his popularity and his humanity qualities will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed.”
He added:
“On behalf of the international football community, l would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Zimbabwe Football Association to the Gumbo family, friends and loved ones, our thoughts are with you.
“We hope these memories and our words of support may bring some peace in this difficult time.” Gumbo’s exploits include winning the league title twice with Highlanders in 1999 and 2000. He went on to win the Malawian league with MTN Wanderers three times.
His move to Botswana came with silverware as he lifted the league title with Township Rollers.
In April 2015, Botswana Premier League side Gaborone United won the Mascom Top 8, after beating Madinda Ndlovu’s Township Rollers, under the tutelage of Gumbo, who was affectionately known as “Dr Rush.”