By Kuchineyi Lewis
His life was lived in service to one badge, one club, and one dream. That badge was Chapungu Football Club. That club was home. And that dream—to see Waru Waru rise again—now lives on in the hearts of those he inspired.
The Zimbabwean football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the untimely death of Chapungu Football Club’s Head Coach, Tawanda Marimo, a man whose name had become synonymous with resilience, discipline, and transformation at the iconic Gweru-based side.
Born on 2 December 1977 at Gweru General Hospital, Marimo’s journey from a determined defender to the spiritual compass of Chapungu FC paints a portrait of a football life well lived, and tragically ended too soon.
A One-Club Man
From the moment he laced his boots at Sandara Primary School and later Mambo High School, Marimo’s star began to flicker with quiet promise. That promise fully blossomed when he joined Chapungu FC, where he spent the entirety of his professional playing career, a rarity in modern football that underscored his deep-rooted loyalty.
Following his retirement in 2013, the club remained his home. In 2019, he returned to serve as Assistant Coach under Tendai Chikuni. His keen tactical mind and the respect he commanded from players saw him rise to Interim Head Coach on 23 June 2023, and by the start of the 2024 Central Region Soccer League, he was rightfully confirmed as Head Coach.
A Heartbeat of Waru Waru
To many, he was simply “Coach Tawa,” but to the Chapungu family, he was its heartbeat. Kennedy Khombo, the club’s Public Relations Officer, remembers him as a leader who brought “clear vision, structure, and unwavering professionalism.”
“Publicly, he restored confidence and pride among our supporters. He united the community around a renewed sense of purpose and belief in Waru Waru,” Khombo reflected.
He brought a no-nonsense approach, infused with humility. He led with respect, avoided sensationalism, and always centred the team, never himself.
A Coach, A Mentor, A Brother
Tererai Zinyorewera, Marimo’s long-time colleague and Assistant Coach, described him as more than a leader, he was a brother and collaborator.
“We had a bond of understanding that started back when we played together in 2004,” said Zinyorewera. “Coach Tawa believed in teamwork, shared leadership, and self-belief. He gave everyone in the technical team room to contribute.”
He recalls how Marimo would repeatedly remind players that they were more than just athletes—they were ambassadors of the game and of Chapungu FC.
“Coach Tawa, you have run your race, you have executed your role as the leader.
“Go well, gallant son of Chapungu,” Zinyorewera mourned.
The Players’ Coach
For Phillip Chamunorwa, Chapungu’s goalkeeper, Coach Marimo was “a father, a teacher, and a shoulder to cry on.” Chamunorwa, who first joined the club as a 21-year-old, remembers a man who believed in him even when he doubted himself.
“He used to call me ‘Giant’,” Chamunorwa smiled through tears. “He told me to keep working hard, and that one day, I would get there.”
In training and in the dressing room, Marimo was firm, demanding nothing less than the best from each player. But his toughness was always paired with mentorship.
“He was a strict coach, but he was fair. He didn’t tolerate nonsense, but he was also approachable and warm,” the goalkeeper added.
Perhaps his most profound contribution was his commitment to personal development. Marimo often reminded players there was life after football. He prepared them not just to be better athletes, but better men.
A Vision Left Unfulfilled
Marimo’s passing came at a time when Chapungu FC was building serious momentum under his stewardship. His dream for the 2025 season was clear: to lead Chapungu back to the Premier Soccer League. Now, his players are determined to carry that dream forward.
“That’s the best way we can honour him. We want to get promoted. That was his vision,” said Chamunorwa.
The team has vowed to dedicate their campaign to Coach Tawa, playing every minute in his honour.
Honouring a Legend
In the short term, Chapungu FC has postponed its next two fixtures to mourn the loss. A memorial tribute is in the works, and in the longer term, the club plans to immortalise his legacy through a dedicated matchday or legacy project focused on youth development, a cause close to Marimo’s heart.
“Though his time with us was cut short, his impact will remain timeless,” said Khombo.
Final Whistle
Tawanda Marimo was many things, a fierce competitor, a thoughtful tactician, a servant of the game, and a gentle giant off the pitch. His life was lived in service to one badge, one club, and one dream. And though the final whistle may have blown on his earthly journey, the echoes of his leadership and love for the beautiful game will reverberate through Chapungu’s corridors for generations.
As Chapungu marches on, it does so under the guiding light of a man who gave it everything.
Rest in peace, Coach Tawa. You were, and always will be, the soul of Waru Waru.
