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Takudzwa Chitsiga

Sports Reporter

FORMER Black Aces and Chibuku Shumba forward, Bernard “Machipisa” Dzingayi, was laid to rest at Granville Cemetery, in Harare yesterday.

The dribbling wizard, who passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke, was hailed as a local football legend who, during his time in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, was a natural ball artist.

Peter Manyara, who captained Dzingayi for four seasons at Black Aces, spoke highly his former teammate.

“I am saddened by the untimely death of Bernard Dzingayi who, to me, is a legend,’’ said Manyara. 

“He was exceptional and I don’t think the gap he has left will be easily filled. 

“I started playing with him at Chibuku Shumba, in the early ‘70s, before we moved together to form Black Aces, a team which went on to do well. 

“I am also happy that he got the recognition that you guys are giving him as most people, who did not see him doing his things on the pitch, cannot understand how good this man was.’’

Charles Gwazvo, a close associate of Dzingayi during their playing days at Black Aces, said he has lost a friend, and a brother.

“We had known each other, as young boys, and our friendship grew until we were more than a family,’’ said Gwazvo. 

“For me, I have lost a brother as he was always by my side, in good and bad, times.

“It is very sad that he lost his battle and I believe he is in a better place now as he had suffered. 

“I played alongside him and, at some point, we went on a 14-game unbeaten run at Black Aces.’’

Loveridge Maenzanise, who was a welfare manager for both Chibuku Shumba and Black Aces, said they have lost an icon.

“He was a good man and my heart bleeds when I look at centres like No 7, and Kingstone Grounds in Mbare, where these guys nurtured their talents. 

“The places, which used to be hubs of talents, are now an eyesore and I don’t think we will, as a nation, be able to produce top players (like Dzingayi) with the current facilities, which are in a dilapidated state, through neglect.’’

Dzingayi attended Chirodzo Primary School and St Peter’s Secondary School in Mbare.

He joined Salisbury Sables, where he teamed-up with the likes of Daniel Chikanda, Wilson Mhande, Isaac “Batman” Mafaro and Paul “Staff Nurse” Tsumbe. 

The pacey winger then caught the attention of Chibuku Shumba, who snapped him up, and he flourished under the astute guidance of player-coach Mick Poole, who later coached the Warriors in the mid-’80s.

After Chibuku disbanded, at the end of the ‘76 season, Dzingayi became a pioneer of crack side, Black Aces, where he teamed-up with the likes of his long-time midfield colleague David Muchineripi.