Bulawayo — Masunda, a former football star who once played alongside the late Vice President of Zimbabwe, Joseph Msika, has died at the age of 101. Masunda passed away on Thursday morning at a private surgery in Bulawayo, just four months after celebrating his milestone 101st birthday in March.
Masunda, a revered figure in the early days of Zimbabwean and regional football, was remembered by family, friends, and sports historians as a humble and committed athlete who played an instrumental role in the development of African football during the colonial era.
His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Robson Masunda, who said the football icon had only been unwell for a short period before his passing. “He was sick for just two days,” Robson explained in an interview. “Our mother is actually the one who has been unwell for some time. It’s quite a shock to us all.”
Masunda’s footballing journey stretched across borders, as he was one of the few African players of his time to make a mark in both Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He rose to prominence playing for Mashonaland United, a pioneering team that laid the foundation for modern Zimbabwean football. He later made his name further north, becoming a key figure in the Northern Rhodesian football scene.
What made Masunda’s career particularly significant was his association with fellow players who would go on to become prominent political leaders. Among them was Joseph Msika, Zimbabwe’s late Vice President and a stalwart of the liberation struggle, with whom Masunda shared a pitch in their youth. Their camaraderie extended beyond football and into a shared commitment to community leadership and African advancement during a time of colonial oppression.
Those who knew Masunda described him as disciplined, resilient, and forward-thinking. He was not only a footballer but also an advocate for the rights and recognition of African athletes at a time when racial segregation limited opportunities for Black players. Off the pitch, he mentored young sportsmen and supported local sporting initiatives, helping to uplift the communities he lived in.
Born in 1923, Masunda lived through some of the most tumultuous chapters of Southern Africa’s history — from British colonial rule to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 and the decades of transformation that followed. His longevity and sharp memory made him a living archive of both sporting and political history.
Centenarian Football Legend and Former VP Msika’s Teammate, Nevison Masunda, Dies at 101
In a 2015 interview, Masunda spoke of his pride in having been part of the early movements that blended sports and activism. “Football gave us a platform, but we also used it to challenge the injustices of the time,” he said. “We were not just players; we were voices for our people.”
His contribution to football was widely recognized by veterans of the sport, many of whom paid tribute upon hearing of his passing. Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) officials expressed their condolences to the Masunda family, with one official describing him as “a cornerstone in the foundation of Zimbabwean football whose influence is still felt generations later.”
Masunda’s death marks the end of an era — that of a generation of African sportsmen who combined athletic excellence with broader community impact. His legacy lives on through the countless players and leaders he inspired, both on and off the field.
He is survived by his wife, several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are currently underway, and the family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received.
Robson, reflecting on his father’s remarkable life, said the family is choosing to celebrate rather than mourn. “He lived a full and impactful life,” he said. “We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we hope his story continues to inspire others.”
As Zimbabwe continues to document and honour its rich sporting history, the name Nevison Masunda will undoubtedly hold a place of respect — not just as a talented footballer, but as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the enduring power of sport to shape society.
