On Easter Sunday, the world has been treated to shocking news following the death of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Abel Dhaira.
The talented 28 year old stylish shot stopper was diagnosed with abdominal cancer at the onset of January 2016.
On the fateful day, his running contract and medical insurance at IBV Vestmanaeyjar football club in Iceland also expired.
Dhaira started his career with Walukuba Football Club in Jinja as early as nine years.
He transferred to Express, URA before he ventured at Simba Sports Club in the Tanzanian league.
He had two stints at IBV Vestmanaeyjar Football Club in the Iceland Premier League until his demise.
On Good Friday, the family and friends held special prayers for the ailing goalkeeper whose penalty stopping antics cast him into the limelight.
Dhaira (Abel) is best remembered for his ball juggling antics while between the goal posts at Express F.C.
The exciting goalie was summoned to the national team (Uganda Cranes) and won a few caps to his name.
He won three CECAFA titles with the Uganda Cranes in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
He is son to the legendary former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Bright Dhaira who formerly worked at KCCA F.C as goalkeeping coach.
At the moment, Dhaira senior handles the goalkeeping department at Jinja side, Bul F.C.
After it was confirmed that Dhaira had abdominal cancer, IBV head coach Bjarni Jóhannsson together with the club players were saddened by the news.
They organized a testimonial match meant to raise funds towards his medical costs.
Johannsson is quoted to have said;
It is sad that Abel is too sick and has been diagnosed with cancer.
The club has pledged to stand by him at all the times.
Arrangements to bring back the corpse to Uganda for burial are underway by the family.
Profile:
Full Names: Abel Dhaira
Date of Birth:9th September 1987
Place of Birth: Walukuba , Jinja District.
Parents: Dhaira Bright and Harriet Nakijjoba
He was third born in the family (Other siblings: Janet Mbakire, Dhaira Abraham, Dhaira Abel
Education: Narambai Primary School (P1-P-6), Walukuba East ps -p-7, Jinja sss – Senior O & A level.
Football Career: Red Star Academy, Wama F.C (2000), Alidina F.C (2001), UPDF Bombo F.C (2004), Mbale Industrial (2005), Express F.C (2006 -2008), URA F.C (2008 -2009), SC Vita DRC (2009 -2010), IBV Iceland (2011 -2012), Simba Tanzania (2013 -2014), IBV Iceland – 2014- 2015.
Awards and Honours:
-3 CECAFA – 2009,2011,2012.
-1 Uganda Cup -Express (2007)
-1 league – URA -2009
– The first Ugandan goal keeper to play in Europa League.
– The best player of the 2008 season in Uganda.
– The first Ugandan goal keeper to play in top league in Europe.
Related stories:
Doctors confirm Abel Dhaira has cancer
Abel Dhaira Prayers – FUFA contributes $1000 to Abel Dhaira cause