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Sports Reporter
FORMER Black Rhinos goalkeeper Lameck Lazaro has died. Lazaro died at KGVI on Thursday morning where he had been admitted for three weeks. Lazaro joined Black Rhinos in the late 1980s as a junior player before he graduated into the senior team in 1988.

He played alongside players like Ian Gorowa, Cosmas Kabote and Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, who is now Flame Lily coach.

Black Rhinos organising secretary Wellington Mabiginye confirmed Lazaro’s death and said they were still waiting for details concerning his burial.

“He joined Black Rhinos as a junior from Mbare, he went to George Stark and played with the likes of Ian Gorowa, Cosmas Kabote and Nesbert Saruchera.

“And that was the group that was supposed to take over from the likes of Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa.

“He played for no other team except Black Rhinos and he was incorporated into the army and rose through the ranks to the position of corporal, which he held at the time of his death.

“We are expecting to lay him to rest tomorrow but we are not yet clear on the venue,” said Mabiginye.

Mabiginye said Lazaro’s death was a big loss and described him as a humble and disciplined individual.

“He was still serving, he was at the Army School of Physical Training and Sport as an instructor. He was a humble individual, so reserved that he never picked any quarrels and was so disciplined.

“It’s a great loss to Black Rhinos and the army. I think even for the football fraternity and to those he played with in Mbare. We are just praying that his soul rests in peace,” said Mabiginye.

Saruchera said they were shocked by the death of Lazaro and noted that they worked together for a long time since they were junior players at Black Rhinos.

“We played together for quite some time, we joined Black Rhinos as juniors around 1985 and we graduated together two years later into the first team.

“We were shocked because he was part of us. We grew up together, you know when you work together you spend most of your time together.

“He was a very nice person, a very good goalkeeper. We are in pain and it’s a loss to us,” said Saruchera.

Lazaro is survived by his wife Mary and six children.

Mourners are gathered at number 1381, Crowborough Phase Two.