The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has been left shocked following the passing on of Mr Tanda Tavaruva, the legendary Masvingo United FC owner and financier.

Mhunga as he was popularly known is a man who embodied football not only in Masvingo but in Zimbabwe. He had passion for the beautiful game, for the upliftment of his society and the creation of employment across the business and sporting fields.

He lived for the game, loved the game and most importantly ensured it contributed to the welfare of thousands of workers and families in and around Masvingo through his transport and farming business and football investments.

We cannot mention the Premier Soccer League, and indeed Zimbabwean football, without mentioning Mhunga and Masvingo United.

Many players and coaches are Masvingo United FC products . From the likes of Luke Masomere, Taurai Mangwiro, Saul Chaminuka, to Godfrey Dondo, Costa Nhamoinesu, Ovidy Karuru, Tafadzwa Dube, Lloyd Hlahla, Norman Togara, Wonder Sithole, Itai Gwandu, Musareka Jenitala, Kuraone Mudhambani to mention but a few, graced Mucheke Stadium and ensured fun filled and competitive match days, from the efforts of the great Tanda, a man of the people.

Today, we mourn the passing on of another giant in football and it is our game which as fate would have it seems to be getting poorer each year with the loss of such dedicated cadres of the sport.

We implore the Zimbabwean football family to take lessons from the legacy that Tanda left in the Eastern Region where his son would also follow suit and bankroll Gutu Leopards.

To the Tavaruva families, please find solace in the fact that today he is in a better place, in the loving arms of the Almighty God. May you be comforted.

We are with you during these very difficult moments.

May His Dear Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE ZIMBABWE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

(ZIFA): XOLISANI GWESELA, COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPETITIONS MANAGER.