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FORMER Zimbabwe soccer players based in the Diaspora yesterday took to social media to pass their condolences to the Mkwesha family following the death of the legendary former Dynamos and CAPS United striker Freddy Mkwesha. “Today is a black day in the history of Zim football as Sir Freddy Mkwesha has gone to be with the Lord. 

“Sir Freddy Mkwesha better known as Karamba in the soccer circles, a former Dynamos forward, was the 1st Zimbabwean to play in Europe at the age of 25. He went to ply his trade in Portugal in October 1966. He rubbed shoulders with Portugal’s greatest player and legend, Eusebio. He has been a mentor to a lot of successful players in Zim.

“For me it was a great privilege and honour just to know him and late alone to work with him. He was the reason why my football career blossomed at Makepekepe. He was the pillar of strength at CAPS United FC. Whenever we were down , he would encourage us to get up and look forward to tomorrow. He was full of wisdom.

“Today I mourn yes , but above all, I celebrate your life. You were and still are a true legend even though you have left us. The memories will never fade.

“Sir Freddy Mkwesha, May Your Soul Rest In Peace”. — Frank “Dealer” Nyamukuta (former CAPS United centre-back).

“Rest in peace Freddy Mkwesha”. — Memory Mucherahowa (Former Dynamos captain)

“Freddy Mkwesha’s death is such a big loss to Zimbabwean football. He was the first man to identify me and picked me up for the national Under-20 side just after we gained our Independence while I was still playing for Rio Tinto.

“He went on to coach me when I played for the senior national team and we went on to win the CECAFA title in 1985. He was part of the Warriors technical team which has Mick Poole as the head coach while the late Peter Nyama and Mkwesha were his assistant coaches.

“Mkwesha was such a humble man who always played an advisory role for most of the young players who passed through his hands, especially when he was the head coach of CAPS United from the mid-1980s up to the mid-1990s. In my own opinion he was one of the best coaches we’ve ever had in Zimbabwe”. — John “JP Phiri (Former Zimbabwe defender)

“Raylton Sports Club will never be the same again. I don’t know whether I will be able to go there again. I used to be greeted by Mudhara Mkwesha everytime I visited the place. Zvaingonzii aaaah ko wakauya riini? Vakomana vana vangu ava ana Inno na Joe aaaaah Karamba. You were like a father to all of us at CAPS United, till we meet again Vakuru.” — Innocent Mugabe (former CAPS United striker)

“He was a great man” — Shaun Charters (former Arcadia United striker)

“What a gentleman he was, always willing to help, RIP Mkwesha.” — Brian Badza (former CAPS United striker)

“Eish Karamba pasi idandaro shuwa, we celebrate your life Mudhara and I remember what you used to say. We don’t die but we multiply!!RIP”. — George Mbwando (former Warriors striker)