HARARE – Talented striker Rufaro Machingura, a former member of the decorated Mighty Warriors, passed away Thursday at the age of 30.
After enduring side pain for some time, she died Thursday morning at her home in Retreat, Waterfalls, Harare.
Zimbabwe’s lone COSAFA Cup title triumph, won at Rufaro in 2011, was led by Machingura, who was hailed as a hero.
She scored five goals against Malawi, helping the Zimbabwe women’s national team advance to the semifinals.
But the gifted forward’s drug and alcohol problems led to her termination from the Black Rhinos Queens three years ago.
Machingura is survived by a two month old son.
In response to Machingura’s passing, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has expressed its sadness and send condolences to the family.
According to a statement made by ZIFA:
“The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the Machingura family and the whole football fraternity at large following the passing of former Zimbabwe senior women’s national team [Mighty Warriors] player Rufaro ‘Mafidi’ Machingura.
“Machingura died Thursday morning at her home in Retreat, Waterfalls, Harare after a long illness.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the football fraternity at large in this time of sorrow.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
