FORMER SuperSport United goalkeeper George Chigova's life was celebrated and remembered at AFM Church in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni on Monday, 20 November.
The 32-year-old former Zimbabwean national team goalkeeper died on 15 November in Midrand.
Family, friends and his football friends paid their last respects.
George's brother Joseph Chigova (49) said they were close friends.
"He used to play football as a child. His first pair of soccer boots didn't last for seven days because of his love for football," he said.
He said he was committed to the sport.
"George would mingle with anyone. He was a man of love. Let's display the love he showed to us," he said.
Joseph thanked all the academics who played a role in George's football growth.
George's sister Placedis Chigova said: "George was a very quite person, and we'd talk to him through his wife."
George's widow Nokuthula Chigova said being his wife for 11 years was a blessing.
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"How could you do this to us? I have many questions without answers. Thank you for loving me and treating me like a queen. I will miss the unexpected kisses. My prayer partner, we prayed enough and fasted together," she said.
"Rest in peace. I will do my best to see that our girls are okay," she said.
She said George's daughter Tanatswa was asking when her dad was coming back from heaven.
SuperSport United's Stan Matthews described George as a huge beast goalkeeper who was very humble.
"We called him gentle giant in the club," he said.
He said George gave Zimbabweans a great name. He was committed and humorous.
He will always be remembered in the football world in South Africa and Zimbabwe," he said.
Former Kaizer Chiefs player Khama Billiat said: "Go well and rest well, my brother George."
Khama was struggling to contain himself during the memorial service.
"George was just phenomenal. We can speak a lot about George. He never complained. Friends described him as a man of faith," he said, adding that he was never jealous.
George' body will leave for Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 November. He will be buried in Chivhu, Mashonaland East in Zimbabwe on Friday, 24 November.
