From Sikhumbuzo and Temba Dube in Bulawayo
PETER NDLOVU hasn’t been advised yet that his brother Adam died in the car crash on Sunday. This has forced the family to delay announcing the burial arrangements of the former Highlanders and FC Kriens striker.
Peter is still in the Intensive Care Unit at Mater Dei hospital but in a stable condition with Madinda expressing confidence that his brother will pull through. “We don’t have anything as yet because Peter, as he is lying on his hospital bed, is yet to know that Adam passed on,” said Madinda.
“He is still asking about Adam and as a family we have agreed not to let him know until maybe doctors have ascertained his mental preparedness for such tragic news.
“The boy went for a scan today (yesterday) to ascertain on any internal injuries and the doctors will inform us on their findings tomorrow (today) morning and after that we must be able to find a way forward. A specialist might be hired to relay the message in our presence.”
Last night the family held a meeting where they were expected to come up with a position on the best possible way of letting Peter know about the fate of his elder brother Adam. “We will announce our position tomorrow (today) around mid morning,” said Madinda.
Last night a moving church service was held at Adam’s house, 14716 Imbabala Way, in Selborne Park where various soccer personalities were in attendance. More than 200 cars were parked as far as three streets away as people from across the society joined the Ndlovu family in mourning their son.
Meanwhile, there are calls for Adam Ndlovu, who died in a car accident on Sunday morning, to be accorded hero status for his contribution to football in the country. A security guard at Mater-Dei Hospital said dozens of fans on Sunday thronged the medical facility when news filtered through, that Peter had been admitted to the Catholic run institution.
“Doctors had to instruct security personnel to stop people from going through to the ward. Scores of fans set up a night vigil at the car park, waiting for news on his condition. I have never seen anything like it. Some people wept openly,” said the security guard.
Zanu-PF National Secretary for Education and the party’s political head for Bulawayo Province, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said the province had forwarded a request to the Politburo, to have Adam declared a liberation hero.
“We have already started the process and await approval of the request. Adam has always carried the national flag high and has united the nation through soccer. He is among the people who have changed the negative perception of the country abroad and has been an excellent ambassador for the nation,” said Ndlovu.
However, the chairperson of the Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura), Winos Dube, said Adam deserved national hero status for his more than two decades of service to football.
“I think, for flying the country’s flag high and bringing international recognition to the local game, Adam and his brothers deserve national hero status.
“If the Bulawayo city fathers have been following what these guys have been doing, they would not hesitate to give them the freedom of the city, which is the highest civic honour that can be conferred on individuals who have flown the city’s flag high.
“In response to an overwhelming request by residents, we have already sent a request to the Town Clerk, Mr Middleton Nyoni, for the city to consider giving the highest civic award to Adam and his brothers.”
Bulawayo Mayor, Thaba Moyo, said the city was aware of the immense contribution Adam and his brothers made to the city. Their positive influence is undeniable. They made personal fortunes in the game and went a step further to share their talent with everyone in the city. They sponsored junior soccer and selflessly donated their time and wealth to the growth of the sport in Zimbabwe,” said Moyo.
“As council, we make decisions collectively. As servants of the people, we also act according to residents suggestions. We would welcome suggestions and then, we can sit down and work on them.
