A well-known sports administrator in Vhembe, Mr Edward Ramasuvha, has urged the youth to emulate and follow in the footsteps of the late star footballer and boxer Reuben Mudziwa.
Mudziwa (53) of Dzwerani outside Thohoyandou worked for the local SARS office and was popularly known as Rhuu in sporting circles.
He was one of the finest sportsman to have emerged from this region and passed away last week after a long but unspecified illness. A large number of his fans, relatives and friends filled a big tent constructed at his home to pay their last respects. Everyone mentioned his outstanding sports talents and how he had touched their lives.
The international boxing coach and owner of Moon Rovers, Mr Edward Ramasuvha, said Mudziwa had left footprints that the youth in South Africa could follow in order to succeed. "I mentored him and he excelled in soccer and boxing and even went on to represent the old Venda soccer squad. At my club, Moon Rovers, he was captain and dispensed his duties with distinction. We just wish our youth could emulate what he did and give themselves targets like he did," he said. His brother, Lawrence, said Mudziwa's death had left a big void in their family. "We have lost a leader, a unifier who always wanted to see the family together. He will be sorely missed."
Mudziwa attended school at Dzwerani, Lwamondo and later studied at Techniven. He worked as a taxi driver and in a panelbeating shop before moving on to SASSA and SARS.
He played for clubssuch as Chiawelo United Brothers, Tshifulanani Moon Rovers and Tshikuwi Stone Breakers, among others. He is survived by his parents, siblings, his wives and his children.