‘Kifukwe’s legacy lives on’

DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER Young Africans Chairman Lloyd Nchunga has paid tribute to former club president Francis Kifukwe, crediting him with helping transform the club from a traditional members’ organisation into a modern corporate institution.

Nchunga, who served as Yanga’s chief legal counsel during Kifukwe’s tenure from 2000 to 2005, said the late leader devoted immense time, energy and personal resources to the club’s development. He described Kifukwe as a selfless and approachable leader who consistently placed club unity above personal ambition.

According to Nchunga, one of Kifukwe’s most significant achievements was steering Yanga from turbulent period, where a faction known as ‘Yanga Asili’ emerged within a club, battling against transforming the club’s structure towards the corporate ‘Yanga Kampuni’ model.

At the time, the club faced serious financial challenges and relied heavily on supporters’ contributions to meet basic match-day expenses. Nchunga said he drafted the constitution that enabled the transition, helping move the club away from what he described as a “begging bowl” towards becoming a stronger and more professionally managed institution.

He said the foundation laid during that period contributed to the administrative stability and sporting success Yanga enjoys today. Nchunga also proposed the construction of a permanent monument at Jangwani Stadium to preserve Kifukwe’s historic legacy for future generations.

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Simba Chairman Murtaza Mangungu also paid tribute to Kifukwe during a farewell ceremony at Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam, describing him as a visionary leader whose contribution extended beyond Yanga to Tanzanian football as a whole.

“He was a man of vision, courage and determination, with the ability to leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. His contribution to our football can never be erased,” Mangungu said.

Former midfielder Ally Mayay expressed shock at Kifukwe’s death, saying former players knew him well and deeply appreciated his leadership. Mayay said the widespread grief following Kifukwe’s death demonstrated the respect and affection he commanded across Tanzania, adding that good leadership was among his greatest legacies.

Baraka Kizuguto of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) said Kifukwe served football with professionalism, dedication and genuine passion. Kizuguto extended condolences to the bereaved family as preparations continued to take Kifukwe to his final resting place in Mbeya Region.

Kifukwe’s body arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Wednesday from India, where he had been receiving specialised medical treatment.

Following a Memorial Mass at his Mikocheni residence, the body was taken to Karimjee Hall for public viewing. The body is expected to arrive in Mbeya on Friday morning before being taken to his hometown of Kyela, where he will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon.