The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have directed all its affiliate leagues to observe a minute of silence and wear black armbands during this weekend’s matches in memory of former Zimbabwe international defender Charles Yohane.
The former Warriors star was shot and killed by armed robbers in a carjacking incident in Johannesburg on Sunday.
He was 48.
ZIFA yesterday joined the football fraternity in mourning the death of Yohane, who was capped 28 times for the Warriors.
His career highlights included being a member of the senior team at their first two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns.
He also played for the now-defunct Fire Batteries and CAPS United on the domestic fron, before joining the trek to South Africa, where he featured for a number of teams, but, more prominently, captaining Bidvest Wits for six years.
ZIFA communications and competitions manager Xolisani Gwesela said while the association was saddened by Yohane’s death, they wanted the football fraternity to cherish the former left-back’s contribution to the game.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to convey its heartfelt condolences to the Yohane family and the entire national football family following the passing on of our Warrior Charles Yohane in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“While we grieve the death of our Warrior, whose name shall forever be etched in the story of the Zimbabwean football, we derive some solace from the dedication and commitment that Charles showed to a game that became a huge part of his life up to the time of his untimely death,’’ Gwesela said.
“In memory and honour of this distinguished son of the game, ZIFA requests all its members to observe a moment of silence at their association football events this coming weekend and for teams to wear black armbands.
“May the soul of our dearly departed rest in eternal peace.”
Yohane played for the national teams, rising from the Under-17 side to the Warriors.
His finest hour in the country’s colours came when he travelled with Sunday Chidzambwa’s squad on Zimbabwe’s maiden dance with AFCON in Tunisia in 2004.
Two years later, he also made the grade in the Warriors’ AFCON squad in Egypt, which was under the guidance of Charles Mhlauri.
