Football in Zimbabwe has always been more than just a game—it’s a family tradition. For Marianne Chiromo, a devoted Arsenal supporter, her journey as a Gooner began over 10,000 miles away from North London, deeply intertwined with the legacy of her father, a revered educator and football enthusiast. "I grew up in Zimbabwe in southern Africa, and sport - especially football - was always a big part of our family. My dad loved football and built a now-national methodology to nurture football talent," says Marianne Chiromo in the article published on the Arsenal website.
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| Marianne Chiromo and Son Image: Arsenal.com |
Marianne's late father, Cuthbert Chirombo, who spent 50 years as a teacher and headmaster of Mzilikazi High School in Bulawayo from September 1989 until 2002, was passionate about nurturing football talent and believed that not all students were destined for academic paths. His commitment to the sport led to the development of a national methodology to cultivate young footballers, one of whom was Peter Ndlovu, the first African player to compete in the English Premier League.
Cuthbert Chiromo is credited for recommending a raw, 16-year-old Peter Ndlovu to then Highlanders FC’s coach Roy Baretto. His prodigy later debuted for Coventry City against Tottenham Hotspur on August 22, 1992, coming off the bench in the last 20 minutes of the game. The Flying Elephant then announced his arrival a few days later, scoring against Chiromo’s Arsenal. “I’m a Gunners man, but at that point, I came close to supporting Coventry City. It was an emotional moment for me,” Chiromo said in an article published on Farpost. Chiromo was Ndlovu’s headmaster in the late 80s. This connection to football, combined with the diverse representation and ethos of Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, cemented the Chiromo family's allegiance to the club.
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| The late Cuthbert Chiromo Center with Peter Ndlovu and the late Benjamin Nkonjera |
In 1998, Marianne moved to the UK to study law. Among her top priorities was a pilgrimage to Highbury, the then-home of Arsenal. Having grown up watching matches from afar, the experience of attending a live game was nothing short of surreal. "We were fortunate enough to watch several matches together including Champions League matches when he visited the UK. It’s special that for his last Father’s Day this side of heaven, I got tickets for him and all his grandkids to watch us play Sevilla. Little did we know that was Dad’s last trip to the UK, our last Father’s Day with him, and his last trip to his club. What a game it was - six goals and the most wonderful memories." says Marianne Chiromo
Over the years, Marianne and her father shared numerous matchday experiences, including unforgettable Champions League fixtures. Their bond, strengthened by their mutual love for Arsenal, was celebrated during what would be their last Father’s Day together. Unbeknownst to them, the match against Sevilla, which they attended with all his grandchildren, would be her father’s final visit to the UK and to the club he adored.
Following her father’s passing on Friday, 10 March 2023, Marianne has continued to honour his memory through their shared passion. On the anniversary of his death, she organized a football tournament in Zimbabwe, coinciding with Arsenal’s thrilling victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Though the loss of her father remains profound, the memories they created and the rituals they shared—like discussing the team sheet and analyzing matches over WhatsApp—are a source of comfort.
The legacy of her father lives on through the next generation of Gooners in their family, particularly in her son, who proudly wears his grandfather’s vintage Arsenal kits. As Marianne navigates her grief, she finds solace in the club's inclusive culture, epitomized by the new African-inspired away kit—a timely reminder of the bond that continues to connect her to both her father and Arsenal.
For Marianne, Arsenal is more than just a football club; it’s a symbol of family, legacy, and an enduring connection that transcends generations and continents.
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