Ex-Harambee Stars coach Nyongesa to be buried in September

Former Harambee Stars assistant coach Sammy Nyongesa [COURTESY]

Former Harambee Stars assistant coach, the late Sammy Nyongesa, will be buried on September 7 at his Ngata farm in Nakuru, his family has announced.

The fallen football coach famed for his work at the Nakuru Youth Olympic Centre that produced the bulk of the successful Harambee Stars of the 80s died on Thursday.

There has been an outpouring of tributes from a cross-section of sports administrators.

Former Football Kenya Federation South Rift branch treasurer Beneah Iro said Nyongesa’s record in moulding talent was unrivalled. “He was a dedicated man in his work and his service to humanity, which has changed the lifestyle of many youths in the football industry beyond regional boundaries,” Iro said.

The fallen football coach is famed for his work at the Nakuru Youth Olympic Centre that produced the bulk of the successful Harambee Stars of the 80s [Picture: Goal]

Also to condole with the family was former Transcom volleyball coach and international referee Cleophas Nyongesa and Kenya Volleyball Federation South Rift secretary Osinde Wa Musamia.

Nyongesa (Cleophas) said he has lost a longtime friend whom he first met when he (the late Nyongesa) was a player/coach of Kenya Farmers Association in 1976.

Yesterday, the family through their eldest son Mike Baraza said they owe Nakuru War Memorial Hospital a medical bill of Sh226,233.

Well-wishers can channel their donations to Pay Bill Number 578761, Account Sammy Rogers Medical Bill.

Nyongesa’s widow, Ruth said a Memorial Service will be held at the Anglican Church of Kenya Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd from 10.00am on September 6 before the public viewing of the body at Afraha Stadium on the same day. Former footballers are meeting daily at Afraha Stadium from 5 pm for the burial arrangements. [Ben Ahenda]