Former Cranes star Ayieko passes away

Former footballer turned coach Timothy Ayieko has today succumbed to heart and kidney complications.

Ayieko's daughter Lilian Ayieko confirmed the unfortunate news about the former Uganda Cranes star to New Vision.

Ayieko developed heart complications early this year and underwent surgery in India but his condition continued to deteriorate with the onset of kidney complications due to medication after the surgery.

"He had heart surgery in July (2017) but his condition has never been better. He suffered kidney complications after the surgery due to the medication he took. The condition got worse last night and he passed on in the morning," Lilian Ayieko said.

Ayieko who is survived by eight children will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kisumu, Kenya.

"I'm not sure when he will be buried but it should be next weekend. We are still waiting for relatives to arrive for the funeral," Lilian Ayieko said from Jinja mortuary where her father's remains lay.

Ayieko manned Uganda Cranes' midfield when the team posted the country's best ever performance at the African Cup of Nations finishing as runners up in 1978.

"As a player he used to score goals from outside the goal area because of his powerful shots. He was also a good motivator during his coaching. I used to see him playing when I was still in school," said former Cranes teammate and Bandari FC coach, Paul Nkata.

Ayieko played for KCCA FC in Uganda and Gor Mahia in Kenya among other clubs before coaching the Uganda Cranes for year in 1995.