Granny Tshinakaho Kharidzha Mutavhatsindi Denga  (66) was as a dedicated Christian and a member of the local Ngwekhulu Uniting Reformed Church outside Vuwani. She was also known as "Belani" in soccer circles and  was also described as an all-rounder who could take any position in her gogo's club, Faranani FC.

When she  passed on, church members in church regalia and her team, relatives and friends came in their numbers to bid her farewell. A soccer display was also done at her funeral service, held in tents at her home on Saturday morning. She was later buried at Hamasia, a neighbouring village.

Speaking at the funeral, team captain Catherine Mutavhatsindi said that Tshinakaho was a well-disciplined player. "We enjoyed her company a lot. She was our shining star and we will miss her a lot. Her position will be hard to to fill," she said.

The coach of the team, Nkhume Sithagu, said the granny was a pillar of strength to all of them. "We are very sad and we will always miss her sense of humour. She always gave us courage and we relied on her for advice," she said.

Family member Rufus Kharidzha said her death had leftt a void in the family. "She was a unifier in the family and was very passionate about issues of royalty, having been of royal blood herself. She also played a role in the establishment of the family bank, which is among the few in the country. Her contribution in the community and family will forever be cherished," he said.

Tshinakaho was born at Hamasia Kurhuleni Mission in 1936. She did her primary school education at Kurhuleni. She was married to the late Frank Nenngwekhulu Mutavhatsindi of the Nngwekhulu royal family.

She is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.