John Ndlovu
Zimbabwe Football Association(ZIFA) Matebeleland North Chairman Provincial Chairperson Denis Tshuma has died. The 55 year old is one of the longest serving ZIFA councilors.
Tshuma breathed his last on Wednesday morning in his sleep. The deceased was born on the 14th of January in 1968.
Denis Dadegulu Tshuma was first involved with the game as a ZIFA councilor in 2003, going on to hold various posts ranging from ZIFA coordinator to match commissioner.
The Zimbabwe Football Association released a statement that we publish below.
*The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has learnt with great sadness about the passing of the ZIFA Matabeleland North Provincial Chairperson, Dennis Tshuma.
Our heartfelt condolences go to the Tshuma family, friends and the whole football fraternity at large.
Tshuma was one of the longest serving ZIFA councilors who served the association with great honour for two decades, having started his duties in 2003.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family of the departed during this difficult time.
May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.
Zim GBC News spoke to Ndodana Masuku another official that the late Dadegulu worked closely with over the years.
Masuku expressed shock and disbelief adding that the gap Tshuma leaves, may prove difficult to fill.
“He was one person who encouraged the involvement in the game of football of everyone. He had a passion and commanded a lot of respect in the province and beyond.”Said Masuku.
Masuku also revealed that the late Tshuma is responsible for the fast paced growth of the game in the Matebeleland North Province for the past 10 years through several grassroots projects he implemented.
“We used to call him foot soldier or commander because he liked to lead from the front.” Ndodana Masuku also said.
Masuku is survived by a wife and five children, four boys and one girl.