Mari-Anne Chikerema, the daughter of the late Cuthbert Chiromo, who was a die-hard Arsenal fan, has shared a heartwarming story about how her father was dedicated to and loved the English Premier League (EPL) club.
Chiromo died aged 75 last year in March after reportedly collapsing in his car on Kerr Road, Khumalo suburb in Bulawayo.
At the time former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, now the club’s under-18s coach, joined the rest of the footballing world in paying tribute to Chiromo who was a renowned Zimbabwean educationist and sports doyen.
“To all the friends and family of Mr C (Cuthbert Chiromo) I’m sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences. It must be a hard time, stay strong,” Wilshere said in a video online in March 2023.
Passing his condolences, Wilshere also thanked Chiromo for supporting Arsenal.
This week a tribute from Mari-Anne was posted on the official Arsenal Facebook page and comes after the club’s recent release of an African fan inspired away kit for the 2024/25 season.
It is the release of the kit designed in collaboration with Labrum London, to celebrates the African heritage of many Arsenal supporters, that evoked bittersweet emotions for Mari-Anne.
Mari-Anne expressed her wish that her father could have seen the club’s new way kit.
“I just wish he’d seen this African fan inspired shirt because for someone known back home as Mr Arsenal, this 100% would have been his favourite,” she said as quoted by Arsenal.
Furthermore, Mari-Anne also feels like the new Arsenal kit is a way to comfort her, just one-year four months after the death of her father whom she said they had a strong connection especially when it comes to supporting Arsenal.
“As a super proud African, at a time when I’m still trying to navigate my grief, it’s surreal how little things like this away kit have come at just the right time in just the right way and brought so much comfort because it’s such a strong reminder of the inclusive culture that’s made Arsenal feel like home even from all the way in Zimbabwe,” she added. ️
Another thing that brings a smile on Mari-Anne’s face at a time she is still in grieving, is that her son is “a most dedicated Gooner (Arsenal supporter)”.
Consequently, this makes her believe her father’s legacy will live on.
Meanwhile, apart from being a staunch Arsenal fan, Chiromo is remembered and credited for recommending Peter Ndlovu to the then Highlanders’ senior team coach Roy Barreto who gave the former Zimbabwe Warriors’ captain his Bosso debut while he was still aged 16.
From there on, Ndlovu went on to show his quality and quickly attracted interest from several European clubs resulting in his illustrious career.
Chiromo’s love for football resulted in him nurturing and mentoring quite a number of footballers in Bulawayo.
Some of them include ex-Amazulu and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Esrom Nyandoro who went on to become a key player in the Warriors set up.
May his soul rest in peace.
