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The late Willard Mashinkila-Kumalo

Charles Mabika Sports Correspondent
IN the never-ending debate about who is the finest midfielder ever produced in this country, an elite group of football stars will always feature prominently, and one of the people who deserve their place in that class is Willard Mashinkila-Kumalo.

Some will say he was so good, they even had to name him twice.

In his death, at the young age of 49, we owe him an apology for misspelling his surname, throughout a distinguished career, by adding an ‘h’ on his double-barrelled surname when his correct family name was Mashinkila-Kumalo.

But what a player!

One who belongs to that elite group, when this country discusses who was the finest midfielder she ever produced, a superstar of the highest order.

That group has the likes of Tendai “Teacher” Chieza, James “Topsy” Robertson, the late David “The Naughty Flea” Muchineripi, William “Wiriri” Sibanda and Max “Shaluza” Tshuma, Tymon “White Horse” Mabaleka, Shaw “Kojak” Handriade (late), David “Yogi” Mandigora, the late Joel “Jubilee” Shambo, the late Archieford “Chehuche” Chimutanda, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, Norman “Nomara” Mapeza and Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda.

Legendary singer Zexie Manatsa’s hit single from the late ‘80s entitled “Munhu Akanaka” had this resounding chorus: “. . . munhu akanaka haararame . . . kunosara mhondi nevaroyi.”

This was the reminder that hit me as soon as I learnt of the passing away of a great friend and charismatic footballer, Willard “MaWii” Mashinkila-Kumalo.

Agonising and chokingly devastating it was for me.

For how else can I describe the sudden departure of a larger-than-life character who always lit up discussions on-and-off the pitch with his artistry and mannerism?

A burly player, who, at first sight, could have been mistaken for a boxer or wrestler, he possessed immaculate ball control, uncanny vision, unbelievable stamina and was a precision finisher at dead ball situations.

And how else does one digest the reality that this affable entertainer, who also preached the Bosso culture and gospel, will no longer be around to tickle our rib cages with incessant laughter after a match?

Growing up in the high density suburb of Mzilikazi, “MaWii” astonished his mentors by crudely defying his physical stature with deft ball control, accurate set-ups and tireless forays into opposition area as he starred for Mzilikazi Primary School and later Northlea High School in Gweru.

He broke into the Bosso first team at a very tender age in the early ‘80s where he teamed up with the likes of Douglas “British” Mloyi, Alexander “The Cool Ruler” Maseko, Dumisani “Doctor” Nyoni, Titus “Zee The Yellowman” Majola (late), Tobias Mudyambanje and the Ndlovu brothers — Madinda, Adam and Peter.

He was also part of the Dream Team of the ‘90s where he operated the side’s midfield control tower with absolute authority and he could also easily switch from midfield to the heart of defence like that flawless performance in a 1-0 victory over a Guinea side that was led by Liverpool’s Titi Camara in a 1994 Afcon qualifier at the National Sports Stadium. He had brief stints in Germany after he left Bosso and later on established himself as a successful coach at Lancashire Steel and Mwana Africa.

He narrowly missed the top prize for the 1987 Soccer Star of the Year award after being beaten into second place by his close friend and team-mate, the late Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda.

I talked to him a couple of weeks ago in Bulawayo, after the 1-1 draw between Bosso and Triangle and one could see he was not feeling too good.

I will always recall a story that he continuously told of an incident that took place during a league tie between Bosso and CAPS United in the early ‘80s at Barbourfields.

With the match seemingly headed for a share of the points at 1-1, then Makepekepe’s midfielder, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa blasted a long-range thunderbolt that beat Bosso ‘keeper Peter “Captain Oxo” Nkomo all systems out. The shot, said “MaWii”, was so ferocious that it hit one of the angled supporting bars of the goal posts and rebounded quickly back into Nkomo’s arms.

Then Nkomo, in a very low voice, asked defender Douglas “British” Mloyi whether the referee and fans had seen the movement of the ball.

To which Kumalo shouted to Nkomo: “Hey wena, uPeter, the whole stadium saw that it was a goal . . . so just throw the ball to the centre circle and we can try to equalise!”

That was Kumalo for you . . . always high-spirited, jovial and a firm believer in sportsmanship to the core. My only disappointment is that he was never given a chance to lead Bosso to dizzy heights as a coach.

I also believe that he could have performed well with the Warriors had he also been afforded an opportunity to coach them.

I received the news of his death at around 4am on Sunday morning from his close ally and former team-mate, Amin “Mr Fix It” Soma-Phiri, who revealed that “MaWii’s” last seven days were painful to behold.

As the news of his death spread like wild fire across the nation, the reactions on the social media platforms revealed the strong bond that had existed between him and the nation’s football fraternity.

Many fans will never forget the inevitable prowess and humorous touches (who can ever forget that comical bicycle dance when Bosso were on top in a match) that he displayed on the pitch?

I will also treasure those magical moments and hilarious episodes that where tattooed in his remarkable story-telling as we enjoyed drinks after a Bosso or Warriors match.

For sure, like in Manatsa song: “ . . . munhu akanaka haararame . . .”

Rest in peace my good, old pal . . . and hey, don’t forget to tell them up there about that, “Captain Oxo” story!