Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZVISHAVANE -THE football fraternity has united in mourning FC Platinum midfielder Brian Banda, who died in a horrific car accident along the Zvishavane – Bulawayo Highway this Sunday.
Zvishavane came to a standstill this Monday, with the football fraternity converging in the mining town’s home of football, Mandava Stadium, for a funeral service of FC Platinum midfielder, Brian Banda, who died in a horrendous crash.
FC Platinum supporters will always remember Banda as a player who was instrumental in the team’s success.
The team’s leadership and coach, Norman Mapeza were at a loss for words as they tried to explain the loss to both the club and the football fraternity.
“Brian is in our hearts. He played more than a hundred games,” FC Platinum Chairperson, Mr Dumisini Sisane said.
“He was not just a football player, he was a very good human being, someone who was very humble. It is just difficult losing him,” Mapeza said.
It is not only the mining town of Zvishavane that has been plunged into mourning, with the player, who started his career at Bulawayo giants, Highlanders, having also touched many hearts in the city.
A jovial character, Banda used to chill with his friends along Entumbane’s Small Street.
The ZBC News visited Banda’s residence in Entumbane, where the community expressed shock at the demise of a promising football star.
Football has lost a precious gem, as confirmed by coaches who witnessed the rise of the footballer.
“As coaches, we say football is poorer in his absence. He was a talented guy who still had a lot to contribute to football,” Football coach Chipo Tsodzo said.
Banda shot to stardom in Bosso colours, graduating from the juniors to the senior team, before making a switch to the Zvishavane-based platinum miners in 2020.
He won the Chibuku Super Cup with Bosso in 2019 and lifted it again with FC Platinum, as well as a league championship with the platinum miners.
