The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FOOTBALL personalities across the length and breadth of Manicaland plunged into mourning this week following the death of one of the province’s finest players – Wonder Kapangazuwiri – a nimble footed attacking midfielder during his hey days who breathed his last in the neighbouring South Africa due to heart failure.
The former Redwing Mine, CMPZ and Tanganda player succumbed to cardiac arrest in the wee hours of Tuesday night at his Pretoria home in South Africa.
He was 48.
Kapangazuwiri’s untimely death which drew emotional eulogies on different social media platforms comes hard on the heels of the demise of yet another former footie star, Archford Chikodzore – who at his peak featured for the national Under-20 side.
An exceptionally gifted player, Kapangazuwiri was a joy to watch, a complete attacking midfielder, blessed with a rare dribbling aptitude, unparalleled dexterity or agility and mersmerising ball control, both in the air and on the ground.
It was a blessing to have watched him in action!
His brother, Trymore Kapangazuwiri told Post Sport that efforts to bring the body back home for burial are underway.
“It is a sad loss. Something we least expected to hear, but the heavens have their own way of doing things. Efforts to bring the body back home for burial are underway,” he said.
Childhood friend to Kapangazuwiri, who later became a teammate, Lazarus ‘Kabila’ Muhoni, said: “I am devastated by Wonder’s death. We grew up together, played football together and sang at CCAP Voice of Sakubva Church Choir together. Our parents were close friends. This is just how close I was to him.
“Everyone who follows football in Mutare and Manicaland at large knew Wonder. It is a sad loss and we are in pain. We had hoped that we will have him to help guide youngsters who are also in the game of football, especially his own son who is also playing football.
“I just want to urge the people of Mutare to give this Manicaland football hero a befitting send off when the body finally arrives in Mutare in a few days’ time for burial.”
Mutare football benefactor, James Lunga Meya, fondly referred to as Hwetu in Mutare soccer circles, was at a loss of words in describing Kapangazuwiri’s humility.
“Apart from his larger than life exploits on the field of play, which we all know, Wonder had this amazing humility. He is one person who would always check on you. He was just a loving brother. I am really shocked at the news of his untimely death. May we all find comfort in our Lord during this difficult time,” said Meya.
Kapangazuwiri is survived by one son, Brandon, aged 22.
