Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) president, Gianni Vincenzo Infantino has joined the millions of mourners to send glowing tributes to the family of departed goalkeeper Abel Dhaira.
Infantino’s message was delivered by the FUFA president, Moses Magogo during the requiem mass at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala on Monday.
“FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has written to FUFA concerning the death of our player, Abel Dhaira. He sends utmost condolences to the family and FUFA. It is not very common to receive such messages given the fact that we lose so many footballers and sportsmen.” Magogo told the mourners.
Infantino’s message joins the hundreds of thousands that earlier paid tribute to the goalkeeper who died in Iceland on Easter day after succumbing to abdominal cancer.
CAF president, Issa Hayattou also send in special tributes last week before accepting FUFA’s quest for a moment of silence before the Uganda’s AFCON 2017 qualifier at home against Burkina Faso.
Magogo tagged Dhaira not only as talented but also a ‘sincere and true professional footballer’.
“In 2008, he declined a call to the national U-20 team. This shows he was a true professional. It is rare for footballers to decline national team call ups because of injury or otherwise. It is only him and Tonny Mawejje” Magogo added.
The mass was also attended by Sports state minister, Charles Bakabulindi, Uganda Cranes coach, Milutin Sredojevic, Cranes’ players led by Tonny Mawejje, Kampala City Lord Mayor, Elias Lukwago, family members, football friends and well wishers.
The casket of Abel Dhaira will be taken to Nakivubo Stadium before the body shall be taken to Jinja in Walukuba at the father’s house.
Dhaira will be buried on Wednesday at Mayuge, Eastern Uganda.