State minister for sports Charles Bakkabulindi has been among the mourners who attended the church service at All Saints Cathedra in Nakasero to pray for fallen Cranes’ goalkeeper Abel Dhaira today(Monday).
Bakkabulindi praised Dhaira for what he did for the game of football on pitch especially as he died early before doing something big for the game off pitch. However he said with the little he had done, it sounds a lot and should be an example that young players should emulate.
“When I saw him playing I realized that indeed Uganda has got a team of goalkeepers. He has left a legacy that should be emulated by many,” said Bakkabulindi.
He also applauded president Museveni having picked self interest in having the body of former Express FC, URA FC, AS Vita Club and IBV player body back in the country.
“I salute the president, his excellency, for taking self interest in bringing back the body,” said Bakkabulindi before adding that the government has also agreed to have some money dispatched to the family for use, during this trying moment.
The family of Abel Dhaira came out to thank those who have been with them in this sorrowful moment especially the government of Uganda, that helped them bring back the body of their son.
Meanwhile, Dhaira had been the chief benefactor of two of his brothers’ studies and the family is now worried about what’s going to happen to them. “I want to introduce to you Moses Dhaira, by the time Abel Dhaira fell sick, Moses applied for dead year at campus and since he has passed on we don’t know the future of his studies. Also here is another rising star, Eric Dhaira. He has been at MUBS, he has played football and we don’t know what will happen to him also,” said Abel Dhaira’s uncle.
Abel Dhaira died at the age of 28 but with no child as he has been following his father’s instructions of waiting for the right time to start marriage life.
Moses Magogo, the FUFA president who also attended the service said that Dhaira has been a real professional player who at one time summoned for U-20 team but refused the summon saying that he was above that age.
“Actually I know only two players; Tony (Mawejje) and him (Abel Dhaira) who could reveal that they are either injured or off-form and not deserve to be summoned but it is rare to see footballers saying so,” said Magogo.
From Nakasero, the body will be taken to Nakivubo stadium for public viewing.
