Highlanders president and long serving Zimbabwean football administrator Ndumiso Gumede has died
He was 76.
Gumede passed away at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo from suspected hypertension problems. His death comes barely a week after Bosso hosted a special function at the club’s offices in Bulawayo on December 22 to celebrate his life and immense contribution to the club.
Club President Ndumiso Emmanuel Gumede dies.
Club Patron Jimmy Solumba Ncube describes late football luminary as “a natural leader and a teacher – a fountain of wisdom and knowledge”.
Rest In Peace Yours Truly! pic.twitter.com/sCKjFpHHgc
— Highlanders F.C (@HighlanderBosso) December 29, 2021
Popularly known in football circles as Gumz or Yours Truly, Gumede, a trained school teacher served Highlanders in various capacities, as chairman, chief executive officer and as club president, a position he held at the time of his death.
During his tenure as Highlanders chairman, Gumede, who also served as the club’s chief executive officer, is credited with acquiring the club offices, the sports club and a camping house in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb.
He also held a number of posts at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), where he was a former vice-president, chief executive officer and committee member.
He is also credited for helping expose the widely publicised Asiagate scandal, the biggest match fixing scandal to rock Zimbabwean football during his tenure as ZIFA vice president.
At one time, he was a member of the Caf appeals committee.
Born on 14 October 1945 in Bulawayo at the end of the Second World War, Gumede grew up in Mzilikazi’s R square 62. Gumede’s involvement with Highlanders dates back to 1974 when he was the club’s representative in the then Salisbury.