By Simbarashe Sithole
GURUVE — A Guruve-based social soccer player, Joseph Chikomo (41), has died after sustaining serious injuries following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a match in Ward 19.
Guruve Ward 19 councillor, Samson Kamu, confirmed the death, saying the incident has left the community mourning.
“We are currently at a funeral in my ward where Chikomo died after sustaining injuries in a match,” Kamu said.
Kamu said the tragedy had exposed the need for emergency preparedness at community sporting events, particularly as residents increasingly turn to social soccer as a way of fighting drug and substance abuse.
“We have lost as a ward. This has taught us that whenever we play social soccer to fight drug and substance abuse, we should have funds set aside for emergencies,” he said.
“Chikomo died after it took a long time to raise funds for medical attention.”
The incident has raised concerns over the lack of emergency resources at grassroots sporting events, where players often participate without adequate medical support or emergency response mechanisms