Kenyan Football Legend Joe Kadenge Dies Aged 84

Kenyan football legend Joe Kadenge is dead.

According to family members, Kadenge passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at the Meridian hospital in Nairobi.

He died at the age of 84 having been sick for a while.

“Dad has not been in good shape. He had complications in breathing and his sight was also failing. His condition deteriorated when my sister passed on in the USA earlier this year and he was unable to attend, ” said his son Oscar.

His body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home, as burial arrangements begin.

In the most recent times, Kadenge has been in and out of hospital.

Read: Football Legend Joe Kadenge Discharged After Two Months Of Hospitalization

In April, Kadenge was discharged from hospital after being bed ridden for close to two months after he suffered a stroke following the demise of his daughter, Evelyn.

“He (Kadenge) is resting at home. Doctors saw it better to discharge him on Saturday because his condition has improved,” his brother John Anzrah told the press on April 9.

He also dismissed claims that his family could not raise money to foot his hospital bill.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga are among leaders who paid him a visit as he battled sickness.

Also Read: Football Legend Joe Kadenge Admitted At Nairobi Hospital After Suffering Stroke

Two years ago, the President gave the legend Ksh2 million and also directed that he be offered a National Hospital Insurance Fund cover.

He will be remembered for his silky skills, deft touches and mazy runs in his football career.

He started his football career as an attacking midfielder and second striker for the defunct Maragoli United, before crossing over to Abaluhya United (now referred to as AFC Leopards) in 1996.

Kadenge also played a role in the coaching of National team Harambee Stars.

During Africa’s first ever World Cup which was held in South Africa in 2010, the Kenyan legend was invited by Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to represent East and Central Africa during the opening ceremony.

Many will remember him for the household phrase ‘Kadenge Na Mpira‘ as was popularly used by veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela to refer to Kadenge as he tormented defenders in his hey days.

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