Thousands pay last respects at Rufaro Stadium
Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE football family converged at Rufaro stadium in Harare this Thursday to pay last respects to the late former Warriors and Dynamos goalkeeper George “Jojola” Chigova who died in South Africa last week.
Ably supported by Dynamos fans who painted Rufaro Stadium blue and white this Thursday, it was an emotional moment which confirmed how great the man affectionately known as Jojola was.
Chigova achieved greatness at a tender age after joining DeMbare at the young age of 21 in 2012 taking over from veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi who had just left for Pretoria University in South Africa.
Chigova fought off competition from Atwell Mukandi and Maxwell Nyamupanedengu to assert himself as the best between the sticks for the blue and white army.
As young as he was, the gentle giant never looked out of place even after criticism from the legion of Dynamos fans, especially those who gather at the Vietnam end of the ceremonial home of football.
His exploits at the home of the ‘Blue Army’ saw him being snapped up by SuperSport in 2014, a place he was to call home for many years.
Chigova’s childhood friend Khama Billiat who was with him from their days at Aces Youth Soccer Academy to the national team was at a loss of words.
“I cannot believe I will be here at his funeral today, it’s quite a great loss, he was a good friend of mine when we started at Aces, George was quiet and had a soft heart, we played together in the national team and he had a great impact in the team,” he said.
The football family concurs they have lost one of the finest.
Former Dynamos goalkeeper Zondai Nyaungwe said, “As a nation, we have lost a great person Chigova was a hardworking man and had passion for his job we say rest in peace.”
“I knew George since I started my career as a coach for the Mighty Warriors and we used to play against Aces Academy when he was very young with Karma and Knowledge, I’m happy he was part of my success during that time because of the training we had, to his wife, I just want to say be strong and be grateful for the years you had with George,” said ZIFA NC member, Rosemary Mugadza.
“It’s a sad time in football before our tears could even dry for mourning Rahman Gumbo we are already mourning another legend the young man has left us and the gap in our football will not be filled again,” said Premier Soccer League chairperson, Farai Jere.
Rufaro Stadium is where all the memories were relieved when Jojola was serving for Dynamos, fans can take it back to 2012 in the Harare derby when Dynamos was leading 1-nil with CAPS United pressing for an equaliser and maybe for a win but George Chigova blocked the gates for a win when he was nicknamed Ghedhi Muhomwe. The body of Chigova will be taken to Chivhu for burial this Friday, we say goodbye to the legend George Chigova.
