MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-There was a sombre atmosphere at the graveyard as South African based Takunda Marumahoko was laid to rest at Destiny Cemetery along Chiwundura Road.
Marumahoko (26), a popular and talented Gweru born soccer player, tragically lost his life in a head-on collision during the Easter holiday while driving from South Africa to Hwange on business.
The news of his untimely demise left the Zimbabwe Apostolic Faith Mission church members and the football fraternity in Gweru devastated, and today (Tuesday) they gathered at Destiny Cemetery to pay their last respects.
Tens of mourners shed tears of grief as Evangelist Elistan Chimbarami delivered a short sermon, chronicling the life of the departed.
His church mates clad in white dustcoats, slowly pushed the casket draped in a white cloth on a trolley into his final resting place.
During the emotional send off, speakers praised the late Takunda, known as ‘Taku’ in the football community, for his humility and intelligence.
His elder brother, Edmore Marumahoko hailed his brother for being a unifier and a lovely person to everybody.
“My brother was a good, and lovely person. This is evidenced by the crowd gathered here to give their last respects and celebrating his life,” he said.
Themba Jonathan Vundhla, who played soccer with Takunda since 2011, added that his late friend “was a team player who provided guidance and connected with everyone.”
Takunda moved to South Africa in 2019 and started working at Ubuntu Wethu Truckers as a driver 2 years ago.
He last visited his family during Christmas last year and was expected to join them for the Church Passover in April.
