Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the Premier Soccer League have joined the football loving Zimbabweans in mourning the passing on of former Warriors midfielder, Edzai Kasinauyo.

The former ZIFA Executive committee member passed on in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday afternoon.

In a statement, ZIFA said:

“We have learnt with shock and great sadness, the departure of our former executive commitee member, Edzai Kasinauyo,  

“Edzai’s professional career, both as a player and business person was inspirational and it touched many lives in Zimbabwe, South Africa and indeed the world as he came from the playing field, to the football boardrooms and the business world with enthusiasm and professionalism worth following.”

Unlike many of his peers who go into coaching after retiring, Edzai chose football management and helped shape the careers of many players who he helped secure professional contracts mostly with South African clubs.

He managed a number of Zimbabwe internationals who include Knowledge Musona, Willard Katsande, Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, Ronald Chitiyo and a host of locally based players.

His relationship with the PSL ensured he worked smoothly with the top flight league’s management and reacting to his untimely death, the PSL also released a statement with their condolence message.

“It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the untimely death of football legend Edzai Kasinauyo.

“On behalf of the PSL board of Governors, Clubs and staff, we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Kasinauyo family, friends and the entire football fraternity.”

Edzai played for Arcadia United and Blackpool in the domestic Premiership before moving to South African where he played for such teams like Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows.

Kasinauyo made a name for himself in the history of Ajax Cape Town in South Africa where he donned the great red and white stripe with professionalism.

He also played for the Warriors with distinction, making the roster for the team that made history by qualifying for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 in Tunisia under Sunday Chidzambwa.

There are no details yet regarding the cause of Kasinauyo’s death and burial.