adminTakudzwa Chitsiga : Sports Reporter
VETERAN coach Luckson Sakala, who died on Saturday, was laid to rest at Karoi cemetery with several football personalities in attendance yesterday. Sakala (81), who coached Karoi United, died after a short illness. Karoi United chairman, Kenson Kumponda, said they had lost an adviser and an idol in the Karoi community.“We have lost Mudhara Sakala who was very passionate about soccer, especially at his beloved Karoi United, he was always there for the team.
“He was the longest-serving Karoi United coach since its formation and I met him in 1993 when I played under his stewardship. He would take the team in Division One, back to Division Two and was always there for the team in good and hard times.
“Before he fell ill, he would attend all our home matches and we looked up to him for advice as he was experienced both as a coach and administrator,” said Kumponda.
Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana, who was in Karoi for the burial yesterday, said they have lost a football-loving man.
“We are saddened by the loss of Karoi United’s longest-serving coach, whom we worked with us as a region and we are with Karoi United during these tough times.
“Sakala was an ardent Northern Region football follower and worked at Karoi United for several years and this is a great loss,” said Manyengavana.
Sakala is survived by his wife Emily Ncube (78), five children — two boys Allen and Charles — three daughters Pamela, Annie and Pamela, 17 grand children and five great grandchildren.
Online Reporter