Jimmy Kirunda death: What former teammates say

RIP JIMMY KIRUNDA

Legendary former Uganda Cranes captain Jimmy Kirunda died Monday at the age of 70. Tributes have continued to flow for the fallen former international, who famously led Uganda to the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final in Ghana.

Opoku Afriyie, who died in March this year, scored twice in that duel to ensure that the hosts clinch the title, with Kirunda's Cranes finishing as runners-up.

News of Kirunda's death hit Uganda's sports fraternity hard, and some of his former teammates were among those that paid tribute to the fallen talismanic footballer and coach.

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Tom Lwanga (teammate at Cranes and KCC):

Lwanga says he is honoured to have played with Kirunda

It is a huge loss. It is an honour to have played on the same team with him. He was a great player, one of those that come once in a lifetime. He had it all: height, strength and brains. He was the kind of player who could change a match in a flash.


Paul Ssali (teammate at Cranes and KCC):

Ssali says Kirunda was a stand-out player

May his soul rest in peace. We used to call him 'Senior' because of not only his seniority, but also perfectness in almost all he did. His contributions for club and country will always stand out.


Polly Ouma (Teammate at Cranes):

Ouma says Kirunda was a pillar of Ugandan soccer

His passing on has come as a big shock. He was a pillar of Ugandan football. Whenever I was on the same team with him I felt comfortable. You would be sure nothing would go wrong.



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