The Harare City Council (HCC) has offered a burial space for the legendary football icon, George Shaya who passed away yesterday at the age of 77.
In a statement, the city council said the football legend will be buried at Warren Hills Cemetery.
“City of Harare has offered burial space for the Legendary Football Icon George Shaya at Warren Hills Cemetery. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.” Read the statement.
In an interview with 263times, Harare city spokesperson, Mr Michael Chideme said Shaya will be buried on Friday at section A of the cemetery.
Chideme said George Shaya was a legend not only for Zimbabwe but for the whole region at large.
“Yes the city has extended that gesture to the George Shaya family and said we can offer you a grave at Warren Hills A section so the communication will be conveyed to the family anytime soon because we understand burial is on Friday so the family should be informed officially about what the city has done.
“George Shaya did not belong to the Shaya’s family because he belong to Zimbabwe, he belong to Harare. He was an ambassador of Harare locally, regionally and internationally,” said Chideme.
Shaya is among some of the most celebrated yesteryear footballers to have played for Dynamos FC and the Zimbabwe national team.
In his illustrious career, Shaya won the Soccer Star of the Year five times; 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976, and 1977, a record which is still to be replicated by any player in history.
The Mastermind passed on barely two weeks after it was announced that a documentary of his legendary career, as one of the most celebrated yesteryear footballers, would be premiered.
At the time of his death, Shaya was walking with the aid of crutches after his left leg was amputated last year.
