It was a tearful Thursday in Zambia as CAF Doctor who died while on official assignment in Nigeria during the World Cup playoff between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Ghanaian Black Stars is finally laid to rest.
Dr Joseph Kabungo was laid to rest after a short memorial ceremony at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka.
The CAF Doping Officer passed away last week after a cardiac arrest at the end of Ghana’s game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja.
His death came as a shock to CAF and the Zambian Football Federation after it was earlier reported that he died due to the stampede that broke out at the Moshood Abiola stadium.
In the midst of family, friends and sympathizers, the Zambian medical practitioner was given his final respects with Vice President of the Football Federation, Justin Mumba, hailing him for his role during the COVID-19 outbreak in Zambia
While speaking during the ceremony, Football Federation Vice President Justin Mumba said Zambia repeatedly nominated Kabungo for the CAF/FIFA medical committee roles. He was particularly handy during the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak where he helped FAZ implement the medical protocols set out by FIFA/CAF.
Kabungo was also the natural choice for CAF/FIFA matches as the designated Covid-19 and doping officer
The Federation maintain that his death has left a huge vacuum that will be hard to fill.
While many remember Kabungo for the Covid-19 and doping roles he regularly played, he also helped in the preparations of medical requirements for junior teams in Zambia
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
