Communities learned about the death of Eric Tshimangadzo Nyamande (65), better known as Jola Jola, who unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, 13 April, after a short illness, with great sadness.
Nyamande, a resident at Makonde village, was a well-known, retired police officer, former soccer star, fitness coach and community builder. Also known as Man Gear because of his dribbling skills back in the day, he was regarded as one of the best local soccer stars ever to be produced. Playing for Makonde Young Zebras, Khubvi Peace Makers and Makonde Home Defenders football clubs, he often left goalkeepers with their mouths hanging open as he shot the ball over the goal line.
After hanging up his soccer boots, Nyamande became Makonde Home Defenders' coach. The team brought several trophies home under his skilful coaching tactics. At one time, he became the owner of the team and ran it from his own pocket.
As someone who lived an active life, he was often seen running 22km along the busy road from his village of Makonde to Thohoyandou and back; sometimes three times a week, just to keep himself fit. Upon his retirement as a police officer five years ago, he established the Makonde Fitness Club at the Makonde Jim Masindi sports field, where more than 50 community members from Makonde and the neighbouring villages joined in daily fitness exercises.
Nyamande's daughter, Vhutshilo Nyamande, said the family was shattered by his departure. "His passing came as a very big surprise for us. We believed that he would recover and come back home. I spoke to him over the phone from his hospital bed just a day before he passed away. He sounded hopeful and we even shared a few jokes, not knowing that I was speaking to him for the last time. The reality is starting to kick in."
She said that, despite their grief, they were consoled by the support they were receiving from family and friends. "The visits and messages of condolences that we are receiving are overwhelming. My father might be gone, but his love and legacy will remain with us forever."
Mr Simon Phaswana is a member of the Makonde Fitness Club, who was very close to Nyamande. He said the club had lost a pillar. "Death has robbed us of a caring fatherly figure, friend and motivator whose love and inspiration will remain with us forever. He fostered the spirit of living a healthy life and led from the front. Exercise is now part of our daily lives because of his example. We will continue with the club in order to keep his legacy alive."
A memorial service was held in his honour at his home in Makonde on Monday, 18 April. As a member of the royal family, Nyamande was buried at the family's sacred burial place, Zwiendeulu, in Matangari village on Wednesday, 20 April.