Former Yanga chairman Francis Kifukwe was bid farewell today at the Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam, in a ceremony attended by Yanga officials, leaders from various football clubs across Tanzania, former players, members, relatives, friends and many others whose lives were touched by his legacy.
Kifukwe passed away recently in India while receiving medical treatment. His death has left a significant void in his family and Tanzanian football, particularly at Yanga, where he served with great passion and dedication.
Delivering the family’s tribute, the late Kifukwe’s son, Gwamaka Kifukwe, said his father served Yanga wholeheartedly, dedicating a significant portion of his life to the club.
Gwamaka said the family had little time with their father because of his responsibilities at Yanga, but they never blamed him for it. Instead, they took pride in knowing that he was working for the club and its members.
“My father loved Yanga very much. We had very little time with him because he spent most of his time serving the club. Whenever he returned home at night, his first question would be, ‘Did you watch the match?’”
He said the family understood Kifukwe’s love for Yanga and never regarded the time he devoted to the club as a burden on the family.
“We never blamed him for the time he spent with Yanga. Instead, we were happy and proud because we knew he was doing all of it for the Wananchi and the club he loved with all his heart.”
Family Thanks Ghalib and Yanga
Gwamaka also thanked Yanga sponsor Ghalib Said Mohamed for standing with the family during the difficult period of mourning, saying his support had been evident in various ways since the family received news of Kifukwe’s death.
“We sincerely thank Ghalib Said Mohamed for the way he has supported us during this period of mourning for Francis Kifukwe. At home, he has helped us with so many things.”
He also expressed gratitude to Yanga and its leadership for their support throughout the difficult period.
“We also thank Yanga SC and all its leaders for the way they have embraced this matter wholeheartedly. It is clear that Kifukwe was a man of the people, and the love he has received from so many people shows how many lives he touched.”
Former Players Remember Kifukwe
Former Yanga player Ally Mayayi Tembele said Kifukwe’s death had deeply shocked former players who worked with him, describing him as a man who believed strongly in cooperation and unity.
“Kifukwe’s death has shocked us deeply. As former players, we knew Kifukwe very well. Indeed, everything is part of God’s plan.”
Mayayi said Kifukwe touched the lives of many people, with the large turnout at his funeral serving as a testament to the love and respect he commanded within the community.
“He was a man who valued cooperation and unity. Good leadership is the greatest legacy he has left us.”
Mangungu: He Transformed Tanzanian Football
Simba chairman Murtaza Mangungu also paid tribute to the late Kifukwe, saying his contribution extended beyond Yanga to the development of Tanzanian football as a whole.
Mangungu said Kifukwe was among the few leaders who managed to transform the landscape of Tanzanian football through his vision, courage and ability to drive change.
“Mzee Kifukwe will be remembered for many great things in the history of Tanzanian football. He was one of the very few people who transformed our football.”
He said Kifukwe made a major contribution to the development and growth of the sport, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by generations to come.
“He brought about major transformation, not only at Yanga but also in the development and growth of Tanzanian football as a whole.”
Mangungu said Kifukwe was a visionary and courageous leader whose contribution to Tanzanian football can never be erased.
