Ernest Kamba, a Dynamos legend and the 1973 Soccer Star of the Year, passed away at his home in Norton on Monday morning at the age of 76.
Kamba had a distinguished football career, representing both Zimbabwe and Malawi. In his later years, he became known for his outspoken criticism of the management at Dynamos, voicing concerns about how the club was being run.
Opinions on Kamba varied; some viewed him as a contentious and ambitious figure, while others hailed him as a champion of justice and good governance. He consistently argued that the current leadership, including Bernard Marriot, was deviating from the club’s original constitution established in 1963.
Former Dynamos treasurer Eric Mvududu described Kamba as a principled individual who fought for the integrity of the club’s governance. He noted that Kamba was strict about adhering to the rules, which made him unpopular with some within the organization. Mvududu said:
“He was dedicated to ensuring everyone followed the Dynamos constitution, even when it meant facing opposition. Despite being sidelined at times, his love for the club never wavered.”
Kamba’s commitment to good governance was evident when he refused a position on a board led by Richard Chiminya, insisting that the board should be elected rather than appointed. This stance led to his temporary suspension until he was reinstated by the electoral college.
His passing follows the death of his close associate, David George, who died ten months earlier. Both were engaged in a lengthy legal dispute regarding Marriot’s claims of ownership over the club.
In 2022, amidst ongoing controversies, Kamba was elected chairman of the DeMbare Board of Trustees, with Sunday Chidzambwa as his deputy. However, the board faced legal challenges from Marriot and never assumed control, leading Kamba to eventually resign and retire.
Francis Zimunya, chairman of the Lifelong Footballers Trust, lamented that Kamba spent his later years struggling with injuries from his playing days. He emphasized the lack of recognition for football legends in Zimbabwe, pointing out that many former players, including Kamba, deserve better support and rehabilitation services.
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Born on June 22, 1948, in Chinhoyi, Kamba began his football journey in primary school and later played for Dynamos from 1966 to 1976. He shared the field with many notable players of the era, and most of his former teammates have since passed away, leaving Marriot as the last surviving member of that generation.
In 1983, Kamba returned to Dynamos as a coach, leading the team to a league championship and the BAT trophy, working alongside prominent players like Japhet M’parutsa and Sunday Chidzambwa.
