FAZ President Andrew Kamanga and his predecessor Kalusha Bwalya have led the way as messages of condolences continue polling in over the sudden death of CAF/FIFA Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Kabungo.
Kamanga in a statement posted of the FAZ Facebook page monitored by the ZamFoot Crew described the late, Dr. Kabungo as a dedicated and widely loved member of the Zambian football community
“Today we mourn the passing of our CAF/FIFA medical officer Dr Joseph Kabungo who was on duty as a Doping officer in Tuesday’s match involving Nigeria and Ghana, and we extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large,” Kamanga told FAZ Media.
“We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired.”
Kamanga adds: “He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup winning team. His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.”
Dr Kabungo was a permanent fixture at football events including the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar which is a precursor for the 2022 World Cup. He was also part of the medical team during the Cameroon 2021 (played in 2022) Africa Cup of Nations.
“He was one of the outstanding Zambian football personalities that flew the Zambian flag at global football events. We all have to learn from his example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hard working football Zambian administrators,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga’s predecessor, Kalusha Bwalya, the 1988 African footballer of the year, said it was an honor and blessing to have known Dr. Kabungo
Kalusha took to social media to express his grief over the passing of his ‘young brother’.
“I am deeply saddened and devastated on the sudden passing of my young brother Dr Joseph Kabungo. I am honored and blessed to have known such a humble , courageous, hardworking committed spirit of a man like Dr Joseph Kabungo. The image of his gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May the good Lord bless and comfort his family, the greater football family in Zambia, Africa and the World , at this most difficult time. MHSRIEP.”
Dr Kabungo lost his life following the violence that erupted after the Ghana versus Nigeria game in Abuja but the cause of his death is yet to be fully established.
Dr. Joseph Kabungo was CAF’s Doping Officer for the second leg of the World Cup play-off between the West African rivals.
The Black Stars of Ghana drew 1-1 with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola stadium to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.
An amazing individual and a true servant of the game. So, so sad that this happened. I hope Government is involved in coming up with the truth of what exactly happened.