SuperSport United goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson has described the late George Chigova as a gentle giant after his death at the age of just 32.
Chigova succumbed to complications after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday.
"It's a very sad day, George is an amazing guy with an amazing personality, larger than life, and a gentle soul, we called him a gentle giant," Johnson tells KickOff.
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"He is a fantastic goalkeeper I believe could have made it anywhere. He proved to be one of the better goalkeepers in the country.
"He was just unlucky with injuries and players playing ahead of him. But other than that, he worked hard.
"It's the first time I have had to deal with the death of one of my players, and I don't know how to deal with it, I'm struggling to believe that he is no longer with us.
"I can only imagine what his family is going through, George is a family man with a wife and kids. My hugest condolences to them.
"I've worked with George since 2020, and we had such a close relationship, July during pre-season he was at the medical centre, and they picked up a heart issue.
"But he went for all the medicals and treatment, and he was on the road to recovery and back in training.
"So, to hear today of his passing, it's a massive shock to be honest, I don't even know how to deal with it.
"George what he wanted, where he was going in terms of his football. He was in the process of looking for a new club as he wanted to get back to playing in the PSL.
"He was good enough to play for most clubs in the PSL. I think he would have been an asset to any club in the PSL.
"He is a top goalkeeper, he is a leader, it's a massive loss to the football environment and the goalkeeping fraternity.
"I believe if he was playing regularly, he would have been a regular in the Zimbabwe team. He was very athletic and the biggest kicker I've ever seen in the game."
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