THE Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Mr Obert Mpofu, has taken over the payment of medical expenses for Peter Ndlovu and funeral expenses for his brother, Adam.

Minister Mpofu on Tuesday visited Peter, the senior national team assistant coach, at Mater Dei Hospital where he is admitted.

The minister, who is also the Member of the House of Assembly for Umguza also visited the Ndlovu family and conveyed his condolence message over the tragic death of the legendary former international striker "Adamski".

Minister Mpofu, who has been meeting with the family on a regular basis, pledged to pay all medical expenses for Peter as well as funeral expenses for Adam up to the time of his burial.

Adam's elder brother, Madinda, confirmed the minister's visit and expressed gratitude for the help that the Minister extended to the family.

"I confirm that the minister came here to visit us and that is not a secret. He also visited Peter in hospital and talked to him.

"The minister has been very helpful to the family and we are not hiding that. What I can also say is that the Government has advised us to inform it when we need assistance," said Madinda in a telephone interview.

Contacted for comment the minister said he was grieved by the tragic death of Adam and injury of Peter.

He described the two brothers as the nation's finest international footballers. "I am very saddened by this tragic occurrence. These young men come from my province, Matabeleland North. As a province we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the Ndlovu family in this time of need.