Zimpapers Logo

He was 75.
Sifelani died at his plot outside Gweru on Thurs-day night after complaining of stomach cramps since Monday.

His wife, Margaret Tshuma, confirmed the death of Sifelani yesterday and announced that burial would take place tomorrow in Ntabazinduna.
“He started complaining of stomach problems on Monday and we took him to the doctor on Tuesday where he had an X-ray on Wednesday.

“On examination, nothing abnormal was found and he was prescribed some medication which he took on Wednesday and Thursday.
“However, his condition further deteriorated on Thursday evening, leading to his death at home around 9pm,” said Tshuma.

Sifelani was born in Ntabazinduna in 1935 and did his education at Dadaya High School in Zvishavane.
He once turned out for Dynamos after the formation of now one of the biggest soccer clubs in the country in 1963.

In 1993, together with other renowned administrators who include Chris Sibanda, they led top local clubs to break away from the then Super League to form together the National Premier Soccer League which was later renamed the Premier Soccer League.

He also led Dynamos to some of the recognised successes in1998 in the Caf Champions League, as chairman where the club lost to ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
In a message of condolence yesterday, Dynamos secretary Oliver Manyau described Sifelani’s death as a “big loss to local football”.

“This is sad to the club and to football in this country in general and much more to his family. We have lost a father, an administrator who put a founding stone for the club’s success.

“The club is big today because of such people like Sifelani.

“We always turned to him for advice every now and then and part of the efforts has even made us what we are in football administration.

“The loss is even much bigger to the football fraternity where he will be difficult to replace because of the history of his contribution.

“On behalf of Dynamos and the local football family, we join the Sifelani family, his surviving wife and the children in mourning an icon of football history. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” said Manyau.

At the time of his death, Sifelani was an active member of the Gweru Agenda. He also spent much of his life in business and farming.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children Ellen, Max, Mandla, Elliot, Sithabile, Elizabeth, Sakhile, Gugulethu, Kyle, Victor and Kevin. Mourners are gathered at Plot 1 Shurugwi Road in Gweru where he has been staying since movi