Millions of Kenyans continue to wish football icon a quick recovery
Local football fans were left in a state of concern and anxiety upon hearing the news that legendary footballer Joe Kadenge had on Wednesday October 13, 2016 collapsed and rushed to hospital.
Kadenge collapsed while watching a nationwide league match football match at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho, Nairobi.
Before collapsing, he had complained of hunger.
He is currently recuperating at Metropolitan Hospital in Nairobi as Kenyans still continue to wish the former footballer a quick recovery.
I have spoken to Joe Kadenge after he collapsed while watching a game today. He will be ok but still… #PrayForKadenge #TheScoreKE
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) October 12, 2016
Jeff recently did a memorable interview with the LEGEND Joe Kadenge on the BENCH. QUICK RECOVERY. @koinangeJeff
— kipkoech mitei Rober (@MiteiRober) October 12, 2016
The current generation recognise Kadenge as a smiling old man who wears his trademark Godfather hat while attending big international and club matches.
However, the older generation speak of a skillful and talented football icon who many regard as one of the best Kenyan footballers of all time.
Many know him from the common phrase “Kadenge na mpira shooti goal!”
Kadenge made his debut in 1957 when he played in Zanzibar and also the Nakuru combined during the Remington Cup.
Kadenge upon being inducted into Kenya football’s hall of fame. (Photo: Nation Media Group)
His talent on the pitch propelled him into the national team where he inspired Kenya to beat Uganda the following year at the Gossage Cup.
He later went on to play for Maragoli United in the 60s where he held the record for the fastest ever goal scored in the Kenyan Premier League.
He then went on to play for Abuluhya United (now AFC Leopards) helping them to win the Kenyan Premier League in 1966.
He was a regular in the Kenyan national team for 14 years before retiring from football in 1970.
Perhaps the proudest moment of his illustrious football career came in 2002 when he was named the Harambee Stars national coach.
Joe Kadenge with former PM Raila Odinga during the launch of his autobiography last in 2015. (Photo: The Star)
In 2005, he was honoured as a Hall of Famer at the Kenya Sports Personality of The Year Awards (SOYA).
Another proud and fulfilling moment for the icon came in 2010 when he was invited by Fifa to represent East and Central Africa in gracing the opening ceremony of the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Kadenge was later appointed the First Kenya Football Ambassador by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in 2012.
Kadenge’s long and successful story has been captured in his biography Joe Kadenge: The Life of a Football Legend which was published in December last year
