Fare thee well, Riyaz Kurji

May 05, 2009

AS drivers bade farewell to Riyaz Kurji yesterday, they asked local body FMU for an annual event in memory of their fallen colleague. Kurji, just two days short of his 46th birthday, died in a crash on Saturday during the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.

By Frank Sserugo

AS drivers bade farewell to Riyaz Kurji yesterday, they asked local body FMU for an annual event in memory of their fallen colleague. Kurji, just two days short of his 46th birthday, died in a crash on Saturday during the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.

He was posthumously declared winner since he was leading after 11 stages.

“With what the man has done for the sport and country at large, we need to have a memorial event for him,” said Emma Katto at the burial at Kololo.

“Riyaz had such a big heart. I can’t give away my rally car but Riyaz offered me his Evo7 that I rolled,” hailed Kurji.

Katto and Kurji have been arch-rivals in the cockpit and would only talk after action. Many drivers backed Katto.

“Riyaz has helped many with spares, tyres, and even hard cash. It is a big blow when the sport loses such a generous person,” explained Posiano Lwakataka.

The late is survived by two wives and four children.

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