A local soccer legend, Mr Jomo Ravhuhali (49) of Madombidzha Zone 2, passed away after a short illness in the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital last Thursday.
In his heydays, he played for Madombidzha Chris, Madombidzha Congo X1, Maebane Aces United and the former Tshikuwi Stone Breakers. He played with stars such as Killer Mulaudzi, Dan Munengiwa, Africa Monyeoleto, Nana Masase and many more,
One of the founders of the Far North league, Mr Murendi Managa, said it would be difficult to replace a man like Ravhuhali, as he was extremely dedicated to his job. At the time of his death, he was a shop assistant at Africa Hardware in Louis Trichardt.
Managa emphasised that Ravhuhali was a fallen hero, who had been involved in the development of soccer. "This came as a shock to me and the whole community," he said.
A former player and official of Congo XI, Mr Stanley Kgamedi, said the football family had lost one of its pillars who had always worked hard towards the development of soccer. "The whole area was shocked when we heard of his untimely death," he added.
Kgamedi described Ravhuhali as a brave player who was helping young ones and who was loyal to the community and team and to his fellow men. A family member, Mr Tshiila Ravhuhali, said the family was in great pain after losing one of their beloved members.
Ravhuhali is survived by his wife and three children. He will be buried in the Madombidzha cemetery tomorrow (Saturday) at 06:00.