Madodana ‘Horsepower’ Tshabangu Passes Away at 60

BULAWAYO — The football community mourns the loss of Madodana ‘Horsepower’ Tshabangu, a legendary figure in Bulawayo’s social soccer scene, who passed away at the age of 60.

His son, Maradona Tshabangu, from Johannesburg, confirmed the sad news, stating that his father died at 5:50 PM on Monday, though he withheld the specific cause of death.

Tshabangu was renowned for his role as a centerback for teams like Bulawayo Rockets, Meikles, and Gweru United, but his true legacy was in community sports organization.

In 1997, he became widely recognized after persuading the late Nhamo Rusamo to fund the first-ever Horsepower Tournament, which became a staple event in Bulawayo’s football calendar.

This tournament not only united the football-loving residents but also served as a springboard for talents like Benjani Mwaruwari, who later made their mark in professional circuits.

At its peak, Tshabangu managed to affiliate 78 teams under his social soccer league, demonstrating his significant influence on grassroots football in the city.

Maradona mentioned that due to the suddenness of the event, details regarding funeral arrangements would be clarified the following day.

The timing of Tshabangu’s death is poignant, as his son had recently reached out to Zimpapers Sports Hub for help with his father’s medical expenses.

Medical professionals in Johannesburg had determined that surgery was not an option for Tshabangu due to his weakened state, highlighting the family’s desperate situation.

Tshabangu’s departure leaves a void in Bulawayo’s sports community, with many remembering him not just for his playing days but for his enduring contributions to local football culture.

His legacy will continue through the countless players who got their start in his tournaments, now playing at higher levels thanks to the platform he provided.

As the community comes to terms with this loss, reflections on Tshabangu’s life illustrate the profound impact one individual can have on a city’s sporting heritage.

The memory of Horsepower Tshabangu will undoubtedly live on through stories shared at future tournaments and in the hearts of those he inspired on the pitch.