Former Zimbabwe Karate Union president Amos Chihlaba has died.

Chihlaba passed away on Thursday at Gweru General Hospital after a long illness.

He was 58.

Family spokeperson, Simba Chihlaba said, the late Amos has been ill since last December and was admitted at Gweru General Hospital almost two weeks ago where he died yesterday.

“He was not well since December last year. He was admitted at the Gweru General Hospital. This was his second week in hospital and his health has been deteriorating,” said Chihlaba.

Chihlaba described the late Amos as a unifier for the family and a father figure in karate as he groomed many athletes who made it into the national team.

“For the family he was a unifier. He wanted us to be one family and always brought everyone together.

“For sports, he was a father figure for most athletes in karate. He groomed most people who made it into the national team for the JKA Shotokan style. He was one of the people who put Zimbabwe on map when he won a bronze medal at the 1995 All Africa Games.

“This is something difficult for us and it’s painful,” said Chihlaba.