THE football fraternity in the town is in mourning after the tragic death of Chegutu
Pirates Football Club sponsor, Columbus Makumbe.
Makumbe died in a fatal road accident along the Norton-Zvimba road on his way back from his
Chitomborwizi farm last week.
He was 62.
Makumbe sponsored ZIFA Northern Division One side Chegutu Pirates for over a decade.
Chegutu Municipality spokesperson, Brian Nkiwane, expressed shock over the death of
Makumbe as it came at a time the club is preparing for the new season.
”We are very sad as Chegutu, after the untimely death of Makumbe, whom we were engaging to
come on board this season. Things will never be the same for the club again,” said Nkiwane.
Pirates’ coach Richard Chunga said the whole Chegutu was saddened by the death of the great
man, who has been a sponsor for the council team for a long time.
“We are shocked by the untimely death of one of our supporters and main sponsor. He was
supportive of the team, which he had been loyal to for more than 10 years and he remained
committed to the club,” said Chunga.
Team captain, Simba Domingo, said it would be difficult for the club to manage without
Makumbe.
”It will be difficult for us without Makumbe, however, we are looking forward to doing well in
this upcoming season. We are hopeful and we will play hard for him this coming season,” said
Domingo.
Majaha Moyo, a staunch Pirates supporter, said as the team would be remembering the late
Makumbe, the players must focus on winning promotion to the lucrative top flight league next
season.
Makumbe has since been buried at his Chitomborwizi farm.