There are times when ‘R.I.P’ doesn’t always mean rest in peace.
After the loss of a loved one, those who would have remained behind might be tempted, due to pain, to use R.I.P as Return If Possible, to encourage a beloved to come back.
That is perhaps what Brian Banda’s friends and family felt yesterday when it was confirmed that the Warriors and FC Platinum midfield ace, had breathed his last.
Banda (29), succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident along Zvishavane-Bulawayo road yesterday during the afternoon, plunging the local football fraternity into mourning.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of Brian Banda’s passing, which occurred today, June 29, 2025, in a car accident on the Zvishavane-Bulawayo road,” FC Platinum said in a statement.
“Tragically, he lost his life at the scene, and FC Platinum has suffered the loss of a remarkable player. We kindly request that everyone respects his family’s privacy during this difficult time as they grieve.”
“Go well Brian Banda. FC Platinum has Lost not only a talented athlete but also a beloved teammate and friend. Brian’s dedication to the sport and his infectious enthusiasm both on and off the field left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
“His contributions to the team were invaluable, and his spirit will continue to inspire us.”
“In these challenging moments, let us remember the joy and passion Brian brought into our lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who held him dear.”
“May his legacy live on in the hearts of those he touched, and may his memory be a source of comfort and strength.”
Banda’s death is a stark reminder of how cursed the month of June is, as far as Zimbabwean football is concerned.
Just last year, on June 28, football-loving Zimbabweans woke to the shocking news of former Dynamos and Gunners striker Norman Maroto. Maroto, the last player to score at least 20 goals in the local Premiership, died at a private hospital after a short illness. Sadly, Maroto visited his home area in Mugugu Village three weeks prior to his death. Little did he know that in that very same month, hundreds of people would gather there to lay him to rest.
In June 2022, Zimbabwean football also lost another star.
Barnabas Mushunje, who had moved from Dynamos to Simba Bhora in search of greener pastures, tragically died in a car accident along the Harare-Shamva road. Mushunje was only 26 and at the peak of his career when his life was cut short by that tragic accident.
The year before Mushunje’s death, in 2021, former Warriors and Dynamos player David Mandigora, also died in June. Yogi, as the 1980 Soccer Star of the Year was affectionately known, died at his home in Vainona after a long illness on the 12th of June.
Less than two weeks after Mandigora’s death, still in the month of June in 2021, another Warriors and Dynamos legend passed away. Misheck Marimo Chidzambwa, died on his birthday on the 24th of June, after a long illness. Chidzambwa, who was the first Zimbabwean to lift a trophy as captain following the CECAFA Challenge Cup success in 1985, died on his 66th birthday and there was even a birthday cake in his house in Zengeza, during his funeral.
June also robbed Zimbabwean football of another star, in 2017, following the promotion to glory of former Warriors kingpin Edzai Kasinauyo. He died at a private hospital in South Africa. Kasinauyo made a name for himself both in Zimbabwe and South Africa- where he played for Cape Town Spurs, Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows.
As we continue to mourn the losses of our beloved football stars and cherish their memories, June persists as Zimbabwe’s cursed month in the football industry.
