Mqondisi Dube
6 January 2009
SELEBI-PHIKWE — Be Mobile Premier League side, Nico United and the soccer fraternity are mourning the death of talented goalkeeper, Chrispen Nyamutambo who died tragically in a car accident in his native Zimbabwe on New Year's eve.
The stylish goalkeeper was buried in his home village, Murehwa, 150km northeast of Harare on Friday. Nyamutambo's death sparked outpouring emotions of grief. The player has been described as a gentleman and a loyal servant of soccer.
Nico Public Relations Officer, Matlhale Malepa, said the former captain's death was a great loss to the team. He described Nyamutambo as a hero.
"We are at loss of words to describe his death. We have lost a hero, a loyal servant of the game. When we experienced financial problems, Chrispen was never the one to complain but focused on playing," Malepa said.
He said Nyamutambo was "their next Norman Gumbo", a player who served the club loyally for more than a decade before he left for the United Kingdom. Malepa said the club would send a delegation to convey condolences to the player's family. He said a memorial service for the late player would be held tomorrow at the Selebi-Phikwe Stadium.
Teammate, Eric Molebatsi, who played alongside Nyamutambo at TAFIC was distraught at the death of his former goalkeeper. Molebatsi said Nyamutambo's passing away was a great loss to soccer. "He was a father, brother, in fact, everything to us. He used to motivate us and reign in young players when they go astray. Chrispen was also very instrumental in my career," Molebatsi said.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) Selebi-Phikwe region vice chairperson, Otto Ntsatsi said they were shocked at the passing away of the Nico goalkeeper. "We were shocked, it is really a great loss to football.
The memorial service will afford everyone to pay his last respect to Chrispen. Most people were not able to attend his funeral in Zimbabwe," Ntsatsi said.
TAFIC spokesperson, Jones Mosweu described the player's death as a great loss. "He was one of the best goalkeepers ever to have played for TAFIC. I remember he used to volunteer his services and train young goalkeepers and he was very exemplary," Mosweu said. He said TAFIC is still to meet and decide what to do for their former loyal son. Selebi-Phikwe is raising funds to be handed to Nyamutambo's family.
Nyamutambo joined Majombolo in 2003 and was immediately made first choice goalkeeper.
He was widely respected for his on and off the field conduct and won the admiration of soccer fans across the spectrum. The lanky goalkeeper was instrumental in TAFIC's 2002 Coca-Cola Cup triumph and was voted the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He, together with Molebatsi and Bedi Tamocha crossed to Nico at a time when TAFIC was experiencing financial problems.
He enjoyed his best spell at Nico last season although he temporarily lost the number one jersey to Murambiwa Ndlovu. He led the side to a fourth place finish - the best position for Majombolo in as many years - and was crowned the club's best goalkeeper.
Nyamutambo was also in the running for the most disciplined player award. Nyamutambo joined TAFIC from Darryn T in Harare and had one senior national team cap.
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