BULAWAYO – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described Rahman Gumbo as a legend of Zimbabwe football in a condolence message that coincided with the late Zimbabwe football master’s burial in Bulawayo Saturday.
Gumbo, who starred for Eagles and Highlanders in his heyday, collapsed and died a week ago in his Botswana base where he had coaching stints with different teams.
Mourners gathered at Bulawayo’s Amphitheatre Saturday afternoon for his memorial service and body viewing.
The one-time Dream Team midfield workhorse was later buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in a city where he made his name as a Zimbabwe football luminary.
The football legend was given a state assisted funeral attended by scores of mourners among them football officials from Zimbabwe and Botswana.
In a letter to the ZIFA Normalisation Committee Chairperson Lincoln Mutasa, the world football governing body boss expressed “my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player and national team coach Rahman Gumbo”.
“Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss,” Infantino said.
“During his career, Rahman Gumbo won several caps with the Zimbabwe national team and, at club level, he will be remembered for his career with Highlanders FC.
“Following his retirement, he started a successful managerial career, notably in Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Malawi, winning several league titles.
“He also coached the national team of Zimbabwe in three different stints.”
Infantino added, “Legend of Zimbabwe Football, one of the country’s leading football figures, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his personality, his leadership, his popularity and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.
“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the
Zimbabwe Football Association, and to Rahman Gumbo’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.
“We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.”
