The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FAR from the mischief and tomfoolery witnessed on the sidelines of his funeral wake, Doctor Kenneth Rekayi Musewe got a befitting send off which brought together current and former football players, administrators and coaches in Mutare.
Better known in football circles as Dhoko, with his trombone instrument, Musewe was a permanent feature at most football matches at Sakubva Stadium.
He succumbed to a long illness and was buried at Dangamvura Cemetery on Tuesday.
Though he later gained more fame through his exploits in the terraces during Mutare City Rovers matches, Musewe and his peers were known for supporting every Mutare-based team.
No wonder the huge crowd that gave him a befitting send off was drawn from different football clubs and backgrounds.
Mai Hondo Tournament chief associate, Blessing “Jah B” Mutsaka, who drove all the way from Harare to pay his last respects to the revered football fan, said:
“We are very saddened by his death. It is sad that we have lost a true friend of the game. He was one person who loved football and was humble in his approach to things.
Blessing ‘Jah B’ Mutsaka
“Everyone in football circles in Mutare had respect for Dhoko because of his humility. The legacy he has left is a challenge to the football family in Mutare to support every team that is based here. He will be greatly missed,” said Mutsaka.
Former Dynamos, Masvingo United and Buffaloes exciting midfielder, Wonder ‘Bhambo’ Sithole, said: “Many knew Dhoko as a dedicated football fan, but some of us knew him as a former football player whose career did not really blossom to the highest level even though he was talented. He actually played at Tanganda Juniors. He was a humble guy whom we all respected.
“Even when he dressed in funny ways to draw attention each time he came to Sakubva Stadium, we would not look down upon him because we knew who exactly he was apart from the football supporting escapades.”
One of Musewe’s long time colleagues in the music industry, Chimika Chisomba, said: “We grew up together. He was into football even though we worked together at Rams Crew Band. As band we used to get invitations to perform in hotels and other places for a small commission. He was a good guy who will be sorely missed.”
Wonder ‘Bhambo’ Sithole
But the circumstances surrounding Dhoko’s death were a crude reminder of how humanity tends to value one when he or she dies more than when still alive.
When efforts were made to raise money to assist Dhoko during his lengthy illness, only US$80 was raised.
However, when news of his death filtered, there was what appeared to be a popularity contest as stakeholders in the game of football in Mutare contributed towards the funeral expenses.
“It is mind-boggling that we tend to give generously towards a funeral, but when the same person was alive and suffering, calling for help, very few people turned a listening ear. It is sad,” said outspoken player manager and socialite, Donald “Azuri” Manhende.
