As the world pays tribute to Sporting people passed away in 2016–Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali, Chapecoense plane crush among others, the Zambian football fraternity observes a moment of silence for theirs–those who bid farewell to life this year.
Fighton Simukonda
The nation was bereaved by the passing away of Fighton Simukonda, U-23 national team and Nchanga Rangers coach at the moment of his death .
Simukonda, an Ex-Chipolopolo defender on a proximity 5-year tenure lost against a lengthy illness battle of diabetes.
A soft spoken man, whose records speaks volume with so many archives. The most obvious gritty example being leading Zesco United to the 2009 CAF Champions league group stages.
Hillcrest Technical School Football Team
Many will point to this tragedy as the moment the nation lost it’s head and we all became grief tourists. Five pupils [Footballers] of Hillcrest High School died on the spot while 11 others sustained serious injuries in an accident that happened on the North Great North Road near Choma.
Involved was a Mitsubishi Rosa bus carrying students heading to Canisias Secondary School from Livingstone for games.
Norman Muntali
Norman Munthali, gone too soon–33 years old. A former U23, played for Zambia during the 2008 Beijing Olympics qualifiers under the tutorage of Peter Kaumba.
At time of his death, the elder brother to Christopher Munthali was playing for division one zone two side Indeni football club.
Justine Kunda
Ex-Mufulira Wanderers and Nchanga Rangers defender Justine Kunda died aged 42.
Kunda was part of the Wanderers squad that won the Super league title back to back in 1995 and 1996. He later joined Nchanga rangers before he was made assistant coach after retiring as a player.
Farewells to you all our fallen heroes. May your souls rest in peace. You will always be in our memories.
