Adam Ndlovu’s family touched by support
A day after the burial of former Warriors player and Chicken Inn coach Adam Ndlovu, his family was yesterday still trying to come to terms with the overwhelming support they got from the nation and football family across the globe.
A minute of silence was observed in Durban at a match pitting Bafana Bafana and Malawi, while in Coventry there was a memorial service that took place at about the same time with the one held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.
Adam died on Sunday last week following a horrific accident near the Victoria Falls Airport, which left his young brother Peter seriously injured and also claimed the life of Nomqele Tshili who was also a passenger in the car.
The former Highlanders and Moroka Swallows striker was buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo, Minister of Water Resources Development and Management Sam Sipepa Nkomo visited Adam Ndlovu’s house to console his family.
Madinda Ndlovu, Adam’s elder brother, yesterday said his family was grateful for the overwhelming support it received from Zimbabweans and the soccer family. He said they were touched by “everyone’s empathy”. And yesterday afternoon FC Platinum handed over US$2 000 to the family.
The money was presented to the family by Bulawayo businessman Worthwhile Mugabe on behalf of FC Platinum with US$1 000 to go towards medical expenses for Peter while the other assisting with the funeral expenses for Adam.
“We are grateful as a family to the President’s Office, for their support, they gave us truckloads of groceries with which we were able to feed those who attended the funeral wake. We hope it will not end with my brother, it will be extended to others in the future. We are really grateful to President Robert Mugabe.
“It was humbling too to see Minister Obert Mpofu coming out to assist the family in a very big way, the Governor of Matabeleland South, Angeline Masuku, friend Sebastian Nobert and Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu.
“There were several other people and corporate bodies like Tristar Insurance and Nyaradzo Funeral Services who came in a big way to give my young brother a big send off,” said Madinda.
He also made mention of the FC Platinum gesture.
“They have donated US$2 000, they have given us the cash, of which US$1 000 they have said its towards Peter’s medical expenses while the other will help the family clear funeral expenses. In all the team has set aside US$3 000 with the remaining US$1 000 going to the Tshili family. We have not received it on their behalf, we will accompany them to the family,” said Madinda.
Nomqhele Tshili was travelling with Adam and Peter when tragedy struck. He said it was touching to see people from all walks of life coming to assist and being with the family during their darkest hour.
“Honestly, we were touched to see Adam receive this recognition and the family being consoled and thought about across the globe, we were advised that in Coventry there was a service for Adam at the same time with ours here.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who found time to console and comfort us and all the contributions that made this funeral sail through. Without their support, me and Peter would not have managed to cater for such a big crowd that turned up to bid him farewell,” said Madinda.
Warriors assistant coach Peter played for Coventry and enjoys legendary status there. The English club came close to signing both Adam and Peter in 1991 before settling the later. Mourners came from as far as the United States, United Kingdom, Botswana, South Africa and Malawi.
Former and current players from across the country and beyond the borders also took time to be with the Ndlovu family during the funeral. A host of former and current football administrators were at Lady Stanley Cemetery to pay their last respect to Adamski.
The sight of Peter on a wheel chair touched mourners and Madinda said the Warriors history-making captain, was doing well in hospital. Peter was released to attend Adam’s burial before being re-admitted into hospital.
Peter, touched by the support and the huge turnout of mourners could not hold back his emotions and openly wept at the graveside where tributes continued to pour in for Adam.
Adam Ndlovu funeral in pictures
