The body of deceased Ugandan flamboyant goalkeeper Abel Dhaira finally arrived back home in Uganda from Iceland in the early hours of Sunday morning.

28 year old Abel Dhaira died last week in an Icelandic hospital after suffering for Abdominal Cancer as an active player for IBV.

The government of Uganda took a bold step incurring all the costs of the funeral expenses transporting the body from Iceland to Uganda to relieve the parents the burden.

Dhaira’s body was received by family,friends and government officials who thronged the Entebbe International airport in as a somber mood engulfed the airport.

Dhaira played for Icelandic Premier League side IBV Vestmannaeyjar and was diagnosed with cancer in recent months.

The goalkeeper made his debut for the national team in 2009 and helped the Cranes win the regional Council for East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) Senior Challenge Cup in 2012 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

A former goalkeeper for Ugandan Premier League side URA FC, Dhaira’s health deteriorated in January 2016 and he was hospitalised in Kampala at the Nsambya Hospital before returning to Iceland where he was receiving further treatment.

Dhaira’s coach at IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Bjarni Johannsson said last month that the club would do everything to help the player during this time of need.

The club had organised a testimonial game for Dhaira early this month in Iceland.

Dhaira had not featured for the Uganda Cranes since 2013, but he had always remained hopeful he would make a comeback.

Dhaira also featured for Express FC in the Uganda Premier League before joining DR Congo’s AS Vita and later Tanzania’s Simba SC.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com