AfricaPress-Tanzania: TANZANIA sports fraternity is mourning the death of adored President John Pombe Magufuli by expressing their deepest condolences for the great leader who passed away on Wednesday evening in Dar es Salaam.
Sports federations and association stakeholders have expressed their feelings and his greatest support in the development of sports in the country, especially with his famous motto ‘ Hapa Kazi Tu’, which encourages people to work hard in every sector for their benefit and the country in general.
In mourning the nation’s great loss, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended all local football activities under the federation from yesterday for 14-days as part of mourning the death of beloved President Magufuli.
The decision is part of the federation’s decision to pave way for all football stakeholders to mourn the death of the country’s number one sportsman, the late President Magufuli who passed away on March 17 in Dar es Salaam.
The federation has also directed all its affiliate associations to abide with the order which aims at mourning of the great leader who was re-elected to office last October 2020 for his final five-year term and had a great impact in the country’s sports development.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest In Peace our President John Pombe Magufuli (1959-2021), Football Federation stated in their social media accounts.
TFF will remember the late President for his great support when the federation hosted the 2019 U-17 Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Dar es Salaam as he enabled them to facilitate smoothly the continental youth tournament and make history as the first ever East African nation to stage a continental tournament.
Apart from TFF, other football stakeholders in the country have mourned the death of the President including the country’s and East Africa representative in the CAF Champions League and Mainland Premier League champions, Simba who have sent their condolence to all Tanzanians.
Giant clubs, Simba and Young Africans were among others sent their condolences messages, saying that Magufuli will always be remembered for his patriotism and courage to bring about developments in various aspects, socially and politically.
In their social media, Young Africans’ leadership said
“On behalf of members, lovers and supporters of our club, we send our condolences messages to the vice president of Tanzania, family, friends and close relatives and all Tanzanians for the sudden death,”
“Rest in peace President Magufuli, we will live to remember you,” part of the statement said.
Apart from Simba sharing the message, the club’s French coach Didier Gomes also said that he has his prayers for the fallen president and that he was shocked by the news of his untimely death.
The club’s captain, John Bocco said Magufuli was a true patriotic leader, who also stood for the interest of the country.
Apart from that club feel that the late President Magufuli has left them with debt of clinching one of the major continental tournament titles and they think they have a chance to fulfill his dream.
Also, Azam FC stated that they have received with sorrow the death of the President of the Republic of Tanzania Dr John Pombe Magufuli,” the Ice-cream Makers joined in pouring their condolences.
Kenyan clubs were also expressive as Wazito FC and Kariobangi Sharks joined hands with their Tanzanian counterparts in mourning the departed leader.
“We send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the people of Tanzania following the demise of President Pombe Magufuli,” Wazito mourned.
“A champion has left, the greatest tree has fallen. Rest in Peace Dr John Magufuli,” Kariobangi Sharks stated.
Players and team officials were also not left behind in mourning the late President with Simba deputy skipper, Mohamed Hussein writing ‘ Legends Don’t Die , They Sleep’ R.I.P President.
On his part, Simba’s Mozambique winger Luis Miquissone wrote: “A big loss for people of Tanzania, Africa and entire world. May God give the family and the people of Tanzania strength during this difficult moment.”
Simba’s goalkeeping coach, Milton Nienov was not left out as he also wrote on his instagram account “My deepest condolences to Hon. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli’s family, friends and all of Tanzania. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Meanwhile, the newly elected CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe also sent his condolences to TFF and Tanzanians: “My deepest condolence to our brothers and sisters in the Tanzania Football Federation and other people of Tanzania on the passing of our dear President John Magufuli.”
May God comfort and strengthen you during this painful and difficult time. Stated the message.
Also, former Yanga and Uganda and Zambia national team coach, Milutin Sredojević alias ‘Micho’ in his message wrote “In challenging times when my dear Tanzanians and all stakeholders of Tanzania football have lost their respected President John Pombe Magufuli , I would like to express sincere condolences upon untimely loss, May his soul rest in eternal peace.
