Eric Rosen
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MORE than 30 Bulawayo-based former players, administrators and coaches left the city last night for Harare to attend the burial of the late Motor Action owner Eric Rosen, who died of a heart attack last Sunday, aged 69.
Rosen died at the Trauma Centre in Borrowdale and will be buried in the capital this morning.
Speaking on behalf of the former players, administrators and coaches, former Highlanders’ chairman Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda said they were deeply shocked and saddened by the passing away of Rosen, whom he described as a passionate football person.
Sibanda said it was only humane that they attend the burial to give one of their own a befitting send-off.
“It’s sad that football people continue passing away like this. On behalf of the former players and administrators based in Bulawayo, we would like to pass our sincere condolences to Rosen’s family, especially his wife Elizabeth, who is also very passionate about football. It’s a huge gap that has been left by Rosen’s sudden death,” said Sibanda.
“We have always received a lot of emotional support from our counterparts in Harare whenever we lose one of our own here in Bulawayo and it is only proper that we reciprocate.”
Former Zifa board member responsible for finance Ben Gwarada donated a bus that is being used by former players and officials that travelled to Harare.
Rosen built one of the most formidable sides in the country that went on to conquer all and sundry in the domestic league in 2010 under present Chicken Inn coach Joe Antipas.
Motor Action also took part in the Caf Confederation Cup in 2012.
In 2005, they lifted the Independence Cup under Rahman Gumbo when they beat Highlanders 2-0 in the final at Barbourfields Stadium.
Rosen is survived by wife Elizabeth, three children and four grandsons.