In football :legends never die, their legacy inspires generations

As one ancient writer coined, "trophies may carry dust but  Memories last forever", the month of June pens sad memories of how the worldwide football fraternity has been robbed of legends both locally and internationally. Though gone, their legacy lives on for generations to embrace.

The Midlands community woke up to the sad news of the passing of veteran footballer and late Chapungu FC Club coach, Tawanda Marimo's Father ( name withheld), on 04 July 2025, who died after a prolonged illness at his area of residence in Mtap, Gweru. Marimo's Father's demise barely comes a week after the death of the legendary footballer and Coach, Tawanda Marimo, who died a few weeks ago after a short illness.

In a bereavement notice which was received by the Daily Press blog, Gweru-based football outfit , Chapungu FC, confirmed standing in solidarity with the Marimo family and the community in mourning the passing of Marimo's Father 

"It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we inform the Chapungu Football Club community of the passing of the father of our late Head Coach, Tawanda Marimo. He passed away earlier today at his home in Mutapa, Gweru, after a long illness.

"This heartbreaking development comes barely two weeks after the untimely loss of Coach Marimo himself, deepening the grief already felt by the Marimo family, the Chapungu FC family, and all who knew and loved them.

"Chapungu Football Club stands in solemn solidarity with the Marimo family during this unimaginably difficult time. 

"We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they endure yet another painful loss. May the soul of the departed rest in eternal peace. Meanwhile, Funeral and burial arrangements will be shared in due course." Read the statement.

The month of June has indeed been covered with a dark cloud and heartbreaking moments in the football fraternity both locally and internationally, following a series of unforgettable incidents which claimed the lives of professional football legends. It also marks exactly 22 years since Marc-Vivien Foé tragically passed away on the pitch while playing for Cameroon during the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in Lyon, France in June 2006

Reflections:

The late Chapungu Head Coach :(Tawanda Marimo)

To begin with, Tawanda Marimo, the late Chapungu Coach, touched the hearts of many football lovers following his untimely passing after a short illness in Gweru on 24 June 2025.

Following his retirement in 2013, the Chapungu club remained Tawanda Marimo's home. In 2019, he returned to serve as Assistant Coach under Tendai Chikuni. His keen tactical mind and the respect he commanded from players saw him rise to Interim Head Coach on 23 June 2023, and by the start of the 2024 Central Region Soccer League, he was rightfully confirmed as Head Coach.

To many, he was simply “Coach Tawa,” but to the Chapungu family, he was its heartbeat. Kennedy Khombo, the club’s Public Relations Officer, remembers Marimo as a leader who brought “clear vision, structure, and unwavering professionalism.”

“Publicly, he restored confidence and pride among our supporters. He united the community around a renewed sense of purpose and belief in Waru Waru,” Khombo reflected.

The late Liverpool & Portugal Forward :( Diogo Jota)

Yesterday, 03 July 202,5 the world woke up to the shocking news of the passing of Diogo Jo,ta who died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silver 

Diogo Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, made an immediate impact. By his 21st appearance as he had already scored 10 goals, including a memorable Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta. 

From there, he went on to lift multiple trophies, including the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and the Premier League.

The late FC Platinum Midfielder & Captain: ( Brian 'BB' Banda)

As if it's enough, coming back home, on June 29, 202,5, the nation of Zimbabwe received a shocking shock on the passing of Brian Band, who died in a car crash along the Bulawayo - Mbalabala highway.

Banda, who earned national caps and admiration across Zimbabwe, passed away just two weeks after the birth of his son, whom he never got the chance to meet.

Brian Banda made a name as a professional footballer known for his contributions to Highlanders and FC Platinum in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. He made his debut for Highlanders on Matchday 5 of the 2016 season, stepping in as a second-half substitute for King Nadolo in a match against Cha-pungu United, which Highlanders won 1-0.

Throughout his time with the Highlanders, Brian became notable for his performances, scoring a total of 8 league goals despite facing challenges. 

He scored his debut league goal in a losing effort against Triangle United (1-2 loss). His tenure at Highlanders was marked by significant achievements, as he won three trophies with the team and amassed 117 caps in total, comprising 99 league appearances and 18 in the cup.

Lest the world forget the lived realities and testimonies which forever decorate the football fraternity from  humble beginnings  to international platforms