James Magayi @PeopleDailyKe
Politicians, sports icons, friends and family gave glowing tribute to the departed football legend Joe Kadenge during a memorial service at Friends International Centre on Ngong Road, Nairobi yesterday.
Kadenge, who wore jersey number seven for the national team and AFC Leopards in his heyday, coincidentally breathed his last on July 7, aged 84 years leaving behind two widows and eight children.
84th minute
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His eulogy was themed on a football commentary of a match involving the 11 members of his family with the final whistle blown in the 84th minute rather than 90th to represent the legend’s final call.
Another football icon Joe Masiga, popularly known as JJ Masiga, eulogised Kadenge on behalf of former soccer stars.
“There are heroes in this country but Kadenge is the legend of football. He pioneered the sport and drew many of us into the game.
For that we will forever be grateful. We are here to celebrate his life and achievements. He is irreplaceable and a great loss to this country and the sport as well,” said JJ Masiga.
Artistry
Opposition leader Raila Odinga attributed the genesis of his signature ‘football’ commentary during political events to Kadenge’s artistry with the ball between 1958 and 1960 when Kenya dethroned neighbors Uganda from the Gossage Cup which is currently known as Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa).
“He was a true friend for a very long time, an advisor on political matters and constant visitor in my home with a favourite seat where everybody knew belonged to him. He was a true gentleman in mannerism, loved people and a very clean fellow,” Raila remarked .
City Stadium
“To immortalise Kadenge we need to turn City Stadium, where he made his name into a pure football stadium with his statue at the entrance.
That will be a symbol of his dedication, creativity and generosity to the game,” he added.
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi described Kadenge as “a man who gave more than he got from this world”.
Musalia urged the government to buy a house for the Kadenge family, as a show of appreciation for his service to the nation.
“It is not funny how great sporting icons of this country live in deplorable conditions. They bear big names and reputation and you expect them to live a life reflecting their standing in society.
But you often find them eking out a living in the streets. This is not acceptable and the best thing the government can do is to create a sustainable programme to adequately honour these heroes,” said Mudavadi.
A neighbour at Mariakani estate, where Kadenge lived for 65 years, described him as a man too humble for the huge reputation he held.
Politicians, sports icons, friends and family gave glowing tribute to the departed football legend Joe Kadenge during a memorial service at Friends International Centre on Ngong Road, Nairobi yesterday.
Kadenge, who wore jersey number seven for the national team and AFC Leopards in his heyday, coincidentally breathed his last on July 7, aged 84 years leaving behind two widows and eight children.
84th minute
His eulogy was themed on a football commentary of a match involving the 11 members of his family with the final whistle blown in the 84th minute rather than 90th to represent the legend’s final call.
Another football icon Joe Masiga, popularly known as JJ Masiga, eulogised Kadenge on behalf of former soccer stars.
“There are heroes in this country but Kadenge is the legend of football. He pioneered the sport and drew many of us into the game.
For that we will forever be grateful. We are here to celebrate his life and achievements. He is irreplaceable and a great loss to this country and the sport as well,” said JJ Masiga.
Artistry
Opposition leader Raila Odinga attributed the genesis of his signature ‘football’ commentary during political events to Kadenge’s artistry with the ball between 1958 and 1960 when Kenya dethroned neighbors Uganda from the Gossage Cup which is currently known as Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa).
“He was a true friend for a very long time, an advisor on political matters and constant visitor in my home with a favourite seat where everybody knew belonged to him. He was a true gentleman in mannerism, loved people and a very clean fellow,” Raila remarked .
City Stadium
“To immortalise Kadenge we need to turn City Stadium, where he made his name into a pure football stadium with his statue at the entrance.
That will be a symbol of his dedication, creativity and generosity to the game,” he added.
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi described Kadenge as “a man who gave more than he got from this world”.
Musalia urged the government to buy a house for the Kadenge family, as a show of appreciation for his service to the nation.
“It is not funny how great sporting icons of this country live in deplorable conditions. They bear big names and reputation and you expect them to live a life reflecting their standing in society. But you often find them eking out a living in the streets. This is not acceptable and the best thing the government can do is to create a sustainable programme to adequately honour these heroes,” said Mudavadi.
A neighbour at Mariakani estate, where Kadenge lived for 65 years, described him as a man too humble for the huge reputation he held.
