Keegan Mumba dies

Sport
FORMER Dynamos coach and one of Zambia’s most dynamic coaches Keagan Mumba is dead. He was 53.

LUSAKA — FORMER Dynamos coach and one of Zambia’s most dynamic coaches Keagan Mumba is dead. He was 53.

The football fraternity has described Mumba’s death as shocking. Mumba died on Saturday night at Lusaka Trust Hospital after an illness. Mumba’s close friend Wilson Katenge confirmed the death in Lusaka yesterday.

Katenge — Young Zanaco assistant coach — said Mumba died around 10pm. He had been sick since last December.

Before falling ill, Mumba was among 25 coaches that attended the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A coaching course in Lusaka. He completed the first phase, but was unable to complete the second phase due to illness.

Mumba, a journalist by profession, is survived by wife Florence and five children. The funeral is being held at his house in Lusaka’s Kanyama, opposite Kanyama Police Station. Mumba joined Zanaco in 2012 and went on to win the MTN Super Division title the same year.

Zanaco represented the country in the 2013 CAF Champions League but were booted out in the first round by South African side Orlando Pirates.

Pirates won 1-0 in Lusaka and 2-1 in Johannesburg to progress to the second round 3-1 on aggregate.

Mumba drilled City of Lusaka, Green Eagles, Green Buffaloes and Konkola Blades. He also tutored Zimbabwean sides Black Rhinos and Dynamos. While acting as Buffaloes coach in 2005, Mumba guided the Zambia Army side to winning the Mosi Cup. Buffaloes beat Red Arrows 2-1.

FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya described Mumba as a very talented footballer and one of the products of Zambia schools programme.

In a statement released in Lusaka yesterday by communications manager Nkweto Tembwe, Kalusha said Mumba’s contribution to the development of the game at all levels and beyond is undoubted and that the football fraternity has lost a useful cog and voice.

“We appreciate his contribution and effort to the game. We at Football House would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and we pray to God almighty to comfort his family in this trying moment,” Kalusha said. — Daily Mail