Tributes paid after Zimbabwean footballer who once scored four goals in 2-2 draw dies age 73

Simon Mudzudzu, who previously played in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League, died in the USA this week after moving there with his family. While perhaps not the most well-known player in world football, Mudzudzu has a couple of fascinating claims to fame.

Firstly, the defender was part of the dominant title-winning Metal Box side of 1973, building a formidable centre-back partnership with Sunday Chidzambwa. He also won the Chibuku Trophy and Nyore Nyore Shield with Black Aces in their debut season in 1977.

But most interestingly, Mudzudzu once took the back pages of African newspapers by storm - after scoring all four goals in a 2-2 draw between Black Aces and Umtali United. Yes, you read that right.

A news report from the Herald at the time ran with the intro: “Simon Mudzudzu - a player who is dangerous on both sides, who scores in the nearest goal.”

After his time in football came to an end, Mudzudzu continued working with the Metal Box company, and ended up going into management there, and worked at the firm until 2014 when he retired.

Following his death, an abundance of tributes have been paid on social media. Charles Gonyora said: “I used to watch him at Gwazura Stadium - a great player. May his soul rest in peace.”