Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Tributes continue to pour in for the late former Warriors goalkeeper George Chigova who died this Wednesday in South Africa, with football clubs and fans taking to social media to express their condolences.
Chigova, who was battling a heart condition which forced him out of the game died in South Africa this Wednesday leaving behind a wife and two children.
On the day of his death, Chigova known in football circles as “JOJOLA” took to social media and posted a now heartbreaking message, which read:
“Each day is a new blessing. Let go of all worries and be grateful for all the positive in your life”.
Chigova suffered a cardiac arrest back in July but seemed to have overcome it after he returned to training a few weeks ago.
Shortly after the news of Chigova’s death filtered in, tributes started pouring in from supporters, clubs and football associations.
His former club, Dynamos paid tribute to the late goalkeeper in a tweet which read: “Gone too soon Jojola, Fly high”.
Chigova made his name at Dynamos under Coach Kalisto Pasuwa and won three league titles before moving to South Africa where he joined Supersport United.
He had two stints at Matsanstantsa and the club described him as a great club man.
In between those stints at Supersport, Chigova represented Polokwane City, making 125 appearances for the club in the top two tiers of South African football.
Chigova was also capped 32 times for the senior national team.
Highlights of his international career include helping Zimbabwe reach the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semi-finals, winning the COSAFA Cup twice in 2017 and 2018 as well as playing at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Zimbabwe Football Association also paid tribute to the gentle giant after the Warriors wore black armbands for their FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda this Wednesday.
Tributes continue to pour for the towering Chigova, with Premier Soccer League clubs, fans and various organisations sending their condolences.
Sportscasters both in Zimbabwe and South Africa also took to social media to share special memories after the demise of the goalkeeper who started his career at Aces Youth Soccer Academy.
Topflight clubs in the two countries whose strikers were thwarted by the big goalkeeper also paid tribute on social media.
The tributes on social media from politicians, economists, and the generality of the populace in Zimbabwe and South Africa indicate how big he was, not just between the goalposts but in society.
Chigova’s demise comes when Zimbabweans are yet to come to terms with the death of former Highlanders and Warriors legend Rahman Gumbo who died in Botswana last Friday.
