George Chigova
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe has been plunged into mourning following the passing on of former Zimbabwe Warriors and Dynamos Goalkeeper George Chigova in South Africa this Wednesday morning.
Chigova’s death comes just 5 days after the death of another football legend Rahman Gumbo in Botswana.
The giant goal minder who has been unwell since he was diagnosed with a heart ailment in July 2023, died of suspected heart attack after he collapsed on Wednesday.
Supersport United, the club that Chigova last played for took to the social media and wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former SuperSport United player, George Chigova.
“George was a great club man, a gentle giant loved by current and former player and everyone at the club. Even though his official time with SuperSport United ended in June 2023, he was a regular visitor to the training ground and stadium to support the team,” read the post.
Orlando Pirates Football Club also posted its condolence message on their social media platforms.
“On behalf of the extended Orlando Pirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Chigova family.”
Chigova rose to stardom with Gunners FC in the Zimbabwean Premier League before moving to Harare giants, Dynamos. After shining at Dynamos, in 2014 Chigova attracted South African SuperSport United, then moved to Polokwane City where he played from 2015 to 2020. He rejoined SuperSport in 2020 and competed for the number one jersey with likes of Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss and Boalefa Pule.
He also represented Zimbabwe, where he defended the badge with pride. Chigova made 32 appearances for the Warriors and one of his best moments was during the 2018 Cosafa Cup tournament in South Africa where he saved 3 successive penalties against Botswana and went on to save two against Lesotho, thus helping the Warriors to secure a spot in the finals.
His heroics were noticed by president Mnangagwa who wrote in a tweet:
“As we currently debate which candidate has the safest hands for Zimbabwe, we can all agree the answer is without a doubt George Chigova, the Warriors heroic goalkeeper who has saved FIVE penalties this week to get the Warriors into the COSAFA Cup final.”
Chigova will be sadly missed.
