Ironically, the 100-year-old, died after contracting
Covid-19. Chidzambwa completed a total of 5kms, at Raylton Sports Club, walking
50 times from one goal post to another, last year, in an initiative that was
meant to raise money to purchase protective clothing, for frontline workers.
The former Warriors coach, was joined by fellow legends,
George Shaya and David Mandigora, among others, for the charity pitch walk.
The move sent out a strong message, on the need to come
together as a nation, in the fight against the pandemic.
After completing the walk, Chidzambwa said he was inspired
by Moore, who walked 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire,
last year, to raise money for the NHS charities.
He raised close to £33 million and was hailed as a British
hero. Moore died recently.
While they may not have met, or known each other,
Chidzambwa revealed he was saddened by the death of the man who motivated him,
to go the extra-mile, in the fight against the pandemic.
“It’s difficult for me to say much. I mean, it’s sad that
someone who thought of such an initiative passed on, really,’’ said Chidzambwa.
It’s only that age was not on his side and, I mean, every time such a person
passes, on it’s sad.
“So, it has really touched me. It’s sad and may his soul
rest in peace. He did a huge thing for his country and I think he must be
honoured, be remembered for what he did.”
He said after seeing Moore’s initiative on TV, it just rang
into his mind that he also needed to do a similar thing, in this country.
However, the former Warriors coach said it’s unfortunate
the initiative did not receive the support they felt it deserved.
“I saw it on television, then I thought, maybe, we should
also do that for our country although, for us, the response was very poor,’’
said Chidzambwa.
“I am not sure (why) but I think due to Covid-19, it
affected our economy a lot, that’s what I feel.”
He said that they have been waiting for some well-wishers,
who promised to honour their pledges, to come along and make their
contributions.
But, it appears, they are not forthcoming. And, they are
likely to hand over the items they have received to the Ministry of Health and
Child Care, later this month.
“We are still waiting for some items that we were promised
but I don’t think we will get them,’’ he said.
“We are still waiting for people, who promised us some
items, I think this month, we are just going to round-off, and send what we
have.
“I don’t think those who had promised will act, so around
about the 20th, we will hand over what we got, to the Ministry of Health.’’
Despite not getting a favourable response, Chidzambwa does
not regret the step he took to be among those, who have taken it upon
themselves, to try and give a hand, in the fight against the pandemic.
“We have to do this. If we don’t do it, who will do it for
us? “If something comes up, especially myself, I am prepared to do it,” said
Chidzambwa.
The coach’s gesture was a significant one as he has been
walking with a limp, since he sustained a career-ending leg fracture playing
for Dynamos, in a league match against Rio Tinto in 1983.
The Queen led tributes to Moore, known as Captain Sir Tom,
saying this was in “recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole
nation and others across the world”.
His daughters said they “shared laughter and tears” with
their father in their final few hours together. His family said due to other
medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated.
British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, described him as a
hero. “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the
dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this
country’s deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and
he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.
“He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of
hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his
family.” Herald
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