Shingi Kawondera walks out of Psychiatric Unit

By Fungai Muderere

A CLOSE associate to ex-Warriors goal poacher Shingi Kawondera, Kelvin Mushangashike, has revealed that Kawondera is recovering well at his elder brother’s place in Ruwa after he was released from the Parirenyatwa Psychiatric Unit a few weeks ago.

Kawondera, who once had several playing stints in foreign lands and a dance in the prestigious Afcon tournament with the Charles Mhlauri-mentored Warriors in 2006 in Egypt, was admitted in hospital on 22 August after he reportedly went on rampage in Chitungwiza.

“He was in hospital for one week. When we went to check on him we were told that he had been discharged at the request of his elder brother. He is staying with his brother in Ruwa,” said Mushangazhike who was part of the 1997 Young Warriors trailblazing Under-17 squad together with Kawondera, ex-Highlanders trio of Gift Lunga (jnr) Siza Khoza and Bekithemba Ndlovu, among others.

“I can say he is recovering well. He needs everyone’s support. It’s just that he did not have a shoulder to lean on after his contract was terminated at CAPS United last year. It is one of those things in life but I think at the age of 33 his legs can still carry him,” said Mushangazhike.

Efforts to contact the former striker’s family were fruitless. Kawondera joined CAPS United in mid 2012 but did not feature much for the Green Machine in the following season.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, Fifa began a research project, Mental Health and Sports. It is meant to abolish the stigma that comes with mental health in general and to build a foundation for the development of treatment.

The project is headed by retired German professional footballer and sports psychologist Birgit Prinz, who is also a three time Fifa World Player of the Year. She will join forces with another German former footballer, Edgar Schmitt, who is the ambassador for the project. B Metro