Zimbabwean Football Mourns the Loss of Norman Maroto

The Zimbabwean football community is in mourning following the sudden passing of former Warriors, Dynamos, and Gunners striker Norman Maroto. Maroto died at the age of 41 after a short illness.

Norman Maroto was a Zimbabwean football player who played as a striker for several clubs, including Dynamos, Gunners, Motor Action, and FC Platinum. He was also a prolific goal-scorer for the Zimbabwe national team. After retiring from football, Maroto went on to work as the Communications Officer for the Footballers Union of Zimba (FUZ).

Maroto died at the Avenues Clinic in Harare early yesterday after a short illness.

His brother Doit told Zimpapers Sport that Maroto had been battling a flu bout for about a week.

“We are saddened as a family. Norman was complaining of some flu for about a week. On Wednesday, I took him to a doctor where he was attended to,” said Doit.

“But in the night, he was vomiting complaining that his condition was getting worse.

“He was stable though and everything looked fine until we noticed that he wasn’t eating well.

We then took him to the Avenues yesterday afternoon (on Thursday).”

He claimed the former striker, who was the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe Communications Officer at the time of his death, watched the Warriors’ Cosafa opener against Comoros at the hospital reception before being hospitalised.

“He was in his usual jovial mood though not well as he was not eating

“We watched the match together and he was saying the Warriors would win the game even when it looked unlikely in the opening half.

“He was taking down some notes saying he wanted to use them for his analysis as he always did. Little did we know he was actually saying goodbye.’’

Zimbabwe eventually won the match 1-0 and Maroto is said to have celebrated before he was admitted to the medical institution late on. He would reportedly pass away at around 1.30am yesterday.

The Premier Soccer League yesterday said clubs will this weekend pay tribute to Maroto by observing a minute of silence before kickoff while wearing black armbands.

“This serves to advise that the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be observing a moment of silence during Matchday 17 fixtures scheduled for June 29 to 30 June 2024, in honour of the football legend, Norman Maroto.

“PSL clubs are requested to participate in this tribute by wearing black armbands during their weekend matches,” wrote PSL communications and media liaison manager officer, Kudzai Bare.

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ZIFA led with the condolence messages and said Maroto had left a huge void in the local football landscape.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Norman Maroto, a cherished member of the Zimbabwe football family.

“Norman’s contribution to Zimbabwean football was immense and profound,” said ZIFA in a statement.

“As a player, he graced the pitch with exceptional talent, earning admiration and respect from fans and peers alike. His transition into a football administrator further showcased his dedication to the sport, and his work with the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) was marked by a steadfast commitment to the welfare of players and the growth of football in our nation.”