Family members, friends and football players thronged the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMI) this Wednesday to welcome the body of the late George Chigova who passed away at his home in South Africa.
A hearse carrying the body of Chigova arrives at Rufaro Stadium yesterday
Chigova died of a suspected heart condition and was staying in South Africa for the past nine years doing what he knows best, shot stopping.
The condition is suspected to be the cause of him not renewing his contract with Supersport United in June after it has expired.
Football lovers were left tongue tied after hearing the bad news of the passing on of their beloved goalkeeper.
The Aces Youth Soccer Academy graduate was brought to Aces by Green Fuel’s Coach, Rodwell Dhlakama some years back.
Aces had to nurture him to become one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
From left to right Knowledge Musona, Elvis Mazivise, Khama Billiart, George Chigova, Quadr Amini, Caleb Kasemwa and Lincoln Zvasiya
At Aces he was under goalkeeper’s coach Gift “Ribel” Kagogoda who described him as a well-mannered man.
“George was very humble. Even if you criticised him, he was always smiling.
He always paid attention to whatever you would have told him.
I was shocked by this tragedy.
He was such a talented young man.
I am in great pain I always told him that he was going to be one of the best goalkeepers in this country only that he was unlucky with injuries he could have played abroad”.
It’s very unfortunate that he died at that young age. After graduating from Aces he was quickly snapped by the now defunct Gunners football club then coached by legend Moses “Bambo” Chunga.
He did not take ages there and went on to play for the Glamour Boys under Kalisto Pasuwa and he was part of that history making team that won the premier league title four consecutive times.
He skipped the boarder and joined Supersport United but did not stay long and went on to join Polokwane City after failing to get enough game time at Supersport.
He enjoyed his football at Polokwane but only that he did not managed to save them relegation and he rejoined Supersport.
He also had a good dance with the Warriors from the junior age groups to the senior national team and played in different qualifiers.
He helped the national team to win one of the Cosafa Cup.
He made his name for himself when he saved some penalties in that cosafa tournament.
George was one of the best goalkeepers produced in this country he used to stop some powerful shot from top strikers.
This is a big loss to the nation. It’s very painful that he died at a tender age. He left behind a wife and three daughters.
George was loved by almost everyone even those who did not support his team.
ITS GOD’S CASE NO APPEAL. If God says YES no-one say NO.
Go well big Jojola. Tichazosanganiswa zvakare
