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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket yesterday joined the sports fraternity in mourning former Sport and Recreation Commission chairman Joseph James who passed away on Sunday.

James lost his battle to cancer at the age of 59.

ZC chairman Wilson Manase paid tribute to the late prominent lawyer, saying that cricket had always received wise counsel from him.

“As our lawyer, we found Joseph to be a brilliant legal mind who always applied himself diligently to each case before him.

“Later, we benefited greatly from his advice and support as Chairman of the Sport and Recreation Commission — a post he was more than adequately suited for given his ardent love for sport which saw him playing it and then later founding clubs and sponsoring them, before he moved into administration,” said Manase.

The Zimbabwe Football Association also sent condolences to the James family.

ZIFA President Cuthbert Dube told the association’s official website that the football community was saddened by James’ death.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing on of former Sport and Recreation Commission chairperson, Joseph James.

“Our prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased in this difficult period of mourning,” he said.

Dube paid tribute to James’ contribution towards the development of sport in general and football in particular.

“James was a dedicated soul towards the development of sport in the country and his invaluable service during and after his tenure at the SRC will be sorely missed,” said Dube.

James is survived by his wife and four children.