15 November 2023 , 15:57
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Former Zimbabwe goalkeeper George Chigova has died four months after suffering from a suspected heart attack.
The stopper, who made 32 appearances for his country between 2011 and 2019, was confirmed to have passed on Wednesday. The news comes after the 32-year-old had been suffering from a host of heart problems.
Shortly after the news of Chigova’s death was confirmed, tributes started to pour in from supporters. A tweet from one of his former clubs Dynamos paid tribute to the former goalkeeper. It read: “Gone too soon Jojola, Fly high.”
Chigova had represented Dynamos, Supersport United and Polokwane City during his club career, as well as appearing for Zimbabwe at the African Cup of Nations.
Chigova had been active on social media on Wednesday (November, 15) posting a now poignantly heartbreaking message, which read: "Each day is a new blessing. Let go of all worries and be grateful for all the positive in your life."
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He had suffered a cardiac arrest in training back in July, of which, it is understood he returned from. Speaking about his condition at the time, SuperSports United manager Grant Hunt said: “I have not been briefed on the diagnosis or the whole thing. I’m not a doctor. But I know there is a problem that we are attending to at this point in time and we will know in the next week or so.
“He’s going to spend four weeks just being inactive and go from there," he added. "But it doesn’t look positive, but we will give him all the support we can and stay behind him as best we can.”
Chigova’s passing is the second tragedy to hit Zimbabwean football over the past week. Former player and caretaker manager Rahman Gumbo also passed away after a suspected heart attack.
George Chigova had been out of action since July after suffering a heart attack (Getty Images)The Zimbabwean FA announced their intentions to pay tribute to him throughout the current international break. A statement read: “Warriors to wear black armbands in tribute to football icon Rahman Gumbo.
"Zimbabwe Warriors will wear black armbands in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda (Wednesday) and Nigeria (Sunday) to honor the passing of Rahman Gumbo, a former player and coach of the team. Gumbo died on Friday, November 10, 2023, in Botswana after a suspected heart attack. He was aged 59.
“Nicknamed Rush, Gumbo was a football icon who is celebrated for his immense contribution to the country's most followed sport. He served the nation with distinction both as a player and a coach.
“Gumbo is survived by his wife Virginia Gumbo and four children. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.”
African football was also shaken last Saturday after the death of former Ghana international Raphael Dwamena. The 28-year-old passed away from a fatal heart attack he suffered when playing for Albanian side Egnatia on Saturday against Partizani Tirana.