THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has joined the rest of the world in mourning pan African hero and Zambia’s First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda who died on June 17th at Maina Soko Military Hospital.
In a letter of condolences to FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, CAF president Patrcie Motsepe describes the late ‘true statesman’ as the father of the continent.
The head of the African football body said Kaunda was a man of principle who played a role in the liberation and advancement of not only Zambia, but several other African nations.
Motsepe said in the world of football, the support that President Kaunda gave to the “KK 11” led to the growing popularity of football as Zambia’s national sport.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of our former President Kenneth Kaunda’s passing. He was a father to all of us on the African continent. In this sorrowful time and on behalf of Caf, I would like to extend to you and the people of Zambia our heartfelt condolences,” Motsepe said.
“President Kaunda was a true African statesman, a man of principle who played a role in the liberation and advancement of not only Zambia but several other African nations. For those of us who are South African, we will always be indebted to him and the people of Zambia for their contributions and sacrifices towards our democracy,” he said.
He added: “It is a fitting tribute to President Kaunda’s legacy that the “Shepolopolo” will represent Zambia at this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Tokyo.”
Motsepe further said: “A great statesman has left this world, but he will forever live in our hearts and minds. May the friendship and thoughts of the entire African football family offer some comfort to the nation of Zambia through this difficult time.”
On Friday Football Association of Zambia FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said KK was an ardent supporter of the game not only from the stands but occasionally took to the pitch to demonstrate his passion.
Kamanga said football has been hit hard having also lost its former president Evaristo Kasunga who also died on Thursday.
“The whole country is shaken by the death of Kenneth Kaunda who is the founding President of our great country. Kaunda was incomparable as his personality transcended continental borders. In football he was a revered patron of the Zambia National Football Team that was christened the KK11 in his honour,” Kamanga said.
