FORMER  Sporting Lions and Black Rhinos goalkeeper Tendai Mwanasanga has died.

Mwanasanga (43) died yesterday morning at Harare Hospital after a short illness. 

He played for a number of clubs in Zimbabwe from 1997 to 2004 until 2004 when he quit the game and decided to concentrate on coaching.

Among the clubs he played for are Zimbabwe Crackers, Grain Tigers, Arcadia, Hackney and Sporting Lions. He played alongside some of the most decorated football players who include the likes of Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa, Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa, Masimba Dinyero, Philemon Mutyakureva and Charles Chilufya. 

His brother, Zozo Mwanasanga said Mourners are gathered at number 3151 Old Highfield. Mwanasanga will be buried on Friday at Granville Cemetery.

“Tendai was groomed by the current national team goal-keeper coach Richard Tswatswa and by the time of his death he was a holder of a coaching certificate. He was a goalkeeper coach who also groomed the likes of Tendai Tanyanyiwa and Tapiwa Kapini,” said Zozo.

Kapini, whose side was promoted into the South Africa Premiership yesterday, took to Facebook before the crucial play off expressing his sorrow at Mwanasanga’s passing. 

“Just want let you know former Grain Tigers, Zimbabwe Crackers, Black Rhinos keeper my mentor and my coach Tendai Mwanasanga has passed away. Rest in peace to my mentor my coach Tendai Mwanasanga,” wrote Kapini.

He was survived by his wife Agnes, three children and two grandchildren.