News / National
Bulawayo mourns former social soccer icon 'Horsepower'
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Former Bulawayo social soccer stalwart Madodana "Horsepower" Tshabangu has passed away at the age of 60.
His son, Maradona, confirmed the news from Johannesburg, South Africa, revealing that Tshabangu died at 5:50 PM on Monday. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Tshabangu, a former centre-back for Bulawayo Rockets, Meikles, and Gweru United, became a household name in 1997 when he organized the inaugural Horsepower Tournament with sponsorship from the late Nhamo Rusamo. The tournament, featuring teams from Bulawayo's western suburbs, became a celebrated annual event, exposing talented players to professional clubs. Notable stars such as former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari rose to prominence through the tournament.
At the height of his influence, Tshabangu managed a social soccer league with 78 affiliated teams, cementing his legacy in the Bulawayo football community.
Maradona Tshabangu said the family is still in the process of finalizing burial arrangements and expects to provide more details soon.
The news comes shortly after Maradona had issued an appeal for financial assistance to cover his father's medical bills. Doctors in Johannesburg had advised against surgery, citing Tshabangu's frail condition.
Tshabangu's contributions to grassroots football and social soccer will be remembered fondly by the Bulawayo community. His efforts provided a platform for countless players and brought football enthusiasts together, fostering unity and passion for the sport.
The football community and fans across the city have expressed their condolences, remembering Tshabangu as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for social soccer.
His son, Maradona, confirmed the news from Johannesburg, South Africa, revealing that Tshabangu died at 5:50 PM on Monday. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Tshabangu, a former centre-back for Bulawayo Rockets, Meikles, and Gweru United, became a household name in 1997 when he organized the inaugural Horsepower Tournament with sponsorship from the late Nhamo Rusamo. The tournament, featuring teams from Bulawayo's western suburbs, became a celebrated annual event, exposing talented players to professional clubs. Notable stars such as former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari rose to prominence through the tournament.
At the height of his influence, Tshabangu managed a social soccer league with 78 affiliated teams, cementing his legacy in the Bulawayo football community.
Maradona Tshabangu said the family is still in the process of finalizing burial arrangements and expects to provide more details soon.
The news comes shortly after Maradona had issued an appeal for financial assistance to cover his father's medical bills. Doctors in Johannesburg had advised against surgery, citing Tshabangu's frail condition.
Tshabangu's contributions to grassroots football and social soccer will be remembered fondly by the Bulawayo community. His efforts provided a platform for countless players and brought football enthusiasts together, fostering unity and passion for the sport.
The football community and fans across the city have expressed their condolences, remembering Tshabangu as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for social soccer.
Source - The Chronicle
