Dynamos' Richard Chiminya dies

Chiminya (79), a diabetic, had been admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital on Saturday. Mourners are gathered at his house in Cotsworld, Mabelreign in Harare.

Dynamos club chairman, Kenny Mubaiwa, said Chiminya’s loss has deprived the club of a father who held the team together in times of crisis adding that Dynamos will never be the same without the man they called ‘white hair.’

The board of directors is the supreme decision making  body at Dynamos and appoints the executive that runs the team.

Chiminya was part of the black players, who in 1963 broke away from the white dominated Salisbury City and Salisbury United to form Dynamos, later to become the most popular football team in the country.

He formed the football club with among others Benard Marriot Lusengo, Obediah Sarupinda, Freddy Mkwesha, Jimmy Finch, Alan Hlatswayo, Jairos Banda, Morrison Sifelani and Alois Meskano at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare.

Marriot said Chiminya’s wise leadership will be missed, adding that Dynamos would not be where they are now had it not been for Chiminya.

Chiminya’s death comes at a time when Dynamos are on the verge of making history by winning their second consecutive league and cup double.

Dembare are leading Highlanders by two points with only two matches left before the soccer season comes to an end. The team has also reached the final of the Mbada Diamonds Cup in style after beating bitter rivals Caps United 3-0 at the weekend.

Dembare are also celebrating their golden jubilee next year.

Chiminya is survived by his wife Juanita and three children. Burial arrangements are still to be confirmed.