By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has paid tribute to the late prominent bus operator, Tanda “Mhunga” Tavaruva.
Tavaruva passed away Monday at his home in Masvingo’s low-density suburb, Rhodene succumbing to a long illness.
He operated a fleet of buses branded Mhunga which later rebranded to Megalink.
The national football association extended it’s condolences to the bereaved family.
Tavaruva played a significant role in uplifting football in Masvingo.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association, (ZIFA) has been left shocked following the passing on of Mr Tanda Tavaruva, the legendary Masvingo United owner and financier. Mhunga, as he was popularly known, is a man who embodied football not only in Masvingo but in Zimbabwe. He had a passion for the beautiful game, upliftment of his society and the creation of employment across the business and sporting fields,” said ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwasela.
The Premier Soccer League and indeed Zimbabwean football cannot be mentioned without mentioning Mhunga and Masvingo United.
ZIFA urged people to emulate his steps and uplift his legacy.
“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. We mourn the passing on of another giant in football and it is our game which as fate seems to be getting poorer each year with the loss of such dedicated cadres of the support,” he said.
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 Genitala, Kurauone Mudhambi to mention but a few graced Mucheke Stadium and ensured fun-filled competitive matchdays, from the efforts of the great Tanda, a man of the people.
