Football mourns star midfielder Choruma

By Ray Munyoro

The football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Highlanders and Warriors midfielder Richard Choruma who died in a South African hospital where he had been admitted for stomach complications.
He was 42.
Choruma, known as Dabuka during his playing days, died at a Tembisa hospital in South Africa Tuesday morning where he had been admitted to on Christmas Eve.
The local football family has reacted with shock to the death of Dabuka with administrators and footballers sending in condolence messages.
Choruma, who made his senior national team debut against Malawi on March 16, 2003, picked up a number of silverware with Highlanders in the early 2000s including the league title.
Mkhokheli Dube, his former teammate at Highlanders was among the first to react on Twitter, offering his condolences to the Choruma family.
“Gone to soon my brother. You will be missed Richo. Devastated … Condolences and prayers to the Choruma family,” posted Dube.
Locally, Choruma also turned out for Air Zimbabwe Jets as well as Bloemfontein Celtic in South Africa. At the time of his death, he was one of the directors of Zifa Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Division Two side Sabona Mzilikazi.
Highlanders also wrote a condolence message saying memories with Choruma will be engraved in the hearts of many.
“Rest In Peace Richard ‘Dabuka Express’ Choruma. You may be gone, but the memories are engraved in the hearts of many. They shall be cherished forever. Go Well Richo!”
Former Gunners forward More Moyo wrote: “You bossed the midfield with such composure and confidence at BF… Go thee well my brother, RIP Richard Choruma.”
Sportscaster Mike Madoda expressed shock over the death of Choruma.
“2020, in keeping with its character, cruelly saving the worst for last. Can’t believe that Richard Choruma is no more. Dabuka was Xaviesque – accurate with his passing and intelligent in his movement – he knew how to control a midfield. But more than that, he was one of the nice guys,” wrote Madoda.
Some of the local clubs who sent condolence messages include Bulawayo Chiefs and Chicken Inn.
Choruma joins a list of local football personalities who died during the year 2020 with others being Biggie Zuze, Barry Daka, Gift Kamuriwo, Prince Kadewere, Philip Mugadza, Reuben Tsengwa and Willie Luphahla. Nhau/Indaba