Zimpapers Logo

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

HARARE football giants CAPS United have been struck by tragedy again following the death of one of their junior players, Praise Panashe Mupoperi.

Mupoperi died at the weekend at the age of 17 years.

He was one of the junior players that had been promoted by the club to train with the senior team before football was halted by the coronavirus pandemic this year.

“It is with a heavy and saddened heart to inform the football family and the public in general of the tragic loss of a talented player, Praise Panashe Mupoperi, who was part of the CAPS United Junior development programs,” said the CAPS United media department in a statement.

“He passed away late Sunday, the 8th of August 2021. Panashe was 17 Years old (born 30th of June 2004) and was due to write his ‘O’ levels at Marondera High School.

“In 2018, whilst aged 14, he joined Ruponeso Academy from which he was recruited into the CAPS United developmental squad.

“In 2021, he was selected to train with the Makepekepe senior team whilst being assessed and monitored.

“Panashe played right back and had shown exceptional skill and great potential to follow his passion and become a professional footballer.

“The CAPS United family extends their sincerest condolences to the Mupoperi family on the untimely loss. Rest in Peace Panashe,” said the club in a statement.

His death comes as the Green Machine have been mourning the passing away of club legend, Joe “Kode” Mugabe, who succumbed the cancer on Sunday morning. Mugabe had relocated to the United Kingdom, where he lived with his family in Reading.