The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is in deep mourning following the untimely death of former Executive committee member, Edzai Kasinauyo.
The Warriors legend, Kasinauyo, passed on in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday afternoon.
ZIFA and COSAFA president, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, expressed shock and sadness at the sudden demise of the former Warriors and Ajax Cape Town player and businessman, saying his administrative capabilities and general contribution to the game of football in Zimbabwe and South Africa, will be greatly missed.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has learnt with shock and great sadness, the departure of its former executive committee member, Edzai Kasinauyo,” Dr Chiyangwa told the association’s official website www.zifa.org.zw.
“Edzai’s professional career, both as a player and business person was inspirational and it touched many lives in Zimbabwe, South Africa and indeed the world as he came from the playing field, to the football boardrooms and the business world with enthusiasm and professionalism worth following.
“What even shocks us more is we did not hear of any illness prior to the sad news of his passing on.
‘It is an undeniable veracity that he served the game of football with great distinction and his void will be extremely difficult to fill.
“He worked resolutely for the association and football at large, and we are hurt, deeply, by the loss of such a brilliant and intelligent administrator.
“On behalf of the ZIFA Executive Committee, the Assembly, the entire football family and on my own behalf, I would like to extend deepest condolences to the Kasinauyo family and the football fraternity during this painful period.
“We mourn with you and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult moment. May you all find comfort in the almighty God and may his dearest soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Chiyangwa.
Unlike many of his peers who go into coaching after retiring, Edzai chose football management and helped shape the careers of many players who he helped secure professional contracts mostly with South African clubs.
He managed a number of Zimbabwe internationals who include Knowledge Musona, Willard Katsande, Khama Billiat, Ronald Chitiyo and Evans Rusike among others.
Edzai played for Arcadia United and Blackpool in the domestic Premiership before moving to South African where he played for such teams like Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows.
Kasinauyo made a name for himself in the history of Ajax Cape Town in South Africa where he donned the great red and white stripe with professionalism.
He also played for the Warriors with distinction, making the roster for the team that made history by qualifying for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 in Tunisia under Sunday Chidzambwa.
There are no details yet regarding the cause of Kasinauyo’s death and burial.
