Former Zimbabwe goalkeeper George Chigova, 32, died after collapsing at his home in South Africa on Wednesday, Pretoria club SuperSport United said in a statement.
He had collapsed while training with top-flight side SuperSport last July and was on leave, having been diagnosed with a heart condition.
It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former SuperSport United player, George Chigova. pic.twitter.com/qFT3EG8cZb
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) November 15, 2023
Highlights of his international career included helping Zimbabwe reach the 2014 African Nations Championship semifinals and playing at the Africa Cup of Nations five years later.
His senior club career began with Harare Gunners in 2010 and he also played for Dynamos, the most popular team in Zimbabwe, before joining SuperSport.
Chigova later spent five seasons with Polokwane City in the South African first and second tiers before rejoining SuperSport in 2020.
George had two stints with the club, having joined us in 2014 from Dynamos in Zimbabwe. He
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) November 15, 2023
rejoined SuperSport in 2020 after having played for Polokwane City from 2015. pic.twitter.com/1WAbIrDEtb
His death came five days after former Zimbabwe midfielder and coach Rahman Gumbo, 59, died following a heart attack in neighbouring Botswana.
We convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends both in South Africa and in Zimbabawe during this difficult and very sad time.
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) November 15, 2023
May his soul rest in peace 🕊 pic.twitter.com/Fno3diBZ1i