admin
Sports Reporter
THE man best remembered in the Arcadia United football circles for leading the club to its maiden silverware in the top-flight game, Alvin Gough, is no more.
Gough died last Friday in the United Kingdom at the age of 76.
His death comes barely two months after the demise of former teammate, fellow club legend, and close friend Mohammed “Amato” Ben Cader.
Gough was among the founding members of one of the country’s famous community teams back in the 1960s and was a respected member until the time of his death.
The football folklore of the now-defunct Arcadia United would not be complete without revisiting the afternoon of 1968 when Gough, a striker of note at the time, destroyed then-emerging giants Dynamos during the final of the Castle Cup.
Gough struck a brace in the 4-1 victory over the Glamour Boys to propel Arcadia to their first silverware.
He was also part of the team when they retained the title in 1969 with his goal against Wankie also proving important, before winning their only league title in 1971.
He played alongside the likes of Adolf Mutuma, Titus Tito Mugodi, Jimmy Finch, Eugene Raftopoulous, David Gwege Williams, and Cornelius Elijah.
Gough is survived by his wife Jennifer and children Alroy, and Calvin, two granddaughters, three grandsons, and three great-grandchildren.
One of the later generations of Arcadia United members, Simon Finch, son of club icon Jimmy Finch, said the community was devastated by the loss of the legend.
“The community was rocked once again with the sad news that former Arcadia United FC legend and founding member Alvin Roy Gough sadly passed away on Friday 26th April in the United Kingdom.
“A gentle giant but no-nonsense player in his playing days and a true sportsman. He was a feared striker, a number nine who gave many defenders a torrid time as he towered above them upfront against many an opposition.
“He was also a staunch Arsenal supporter, as his favourite overseas team besides his beloved community team Arcadia United.
“During his playing days, his honours included two Castle Cup winners’ medals in 1968 and 1969. Alvin Gough scored with a volley and winning goal in the 1969 final played at Gwanzura for a 2 – 1 victory over Wankie and won the league title in 1971, the only one for Arcadia United.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gough family, a well-respected member of the community. Go well Alvin, hopefully, your beloved Gunners will lift the title in your honour,” said Finch in his tribute.
Online Reporter