Legendary footballer Joe Kadenge dies aged 84

Celebrated football legend Joe Kadenge (84) has died.

According to Kadenge’s family, the legend died at a hospital in Nairobi on Sunday, after a long illness, having suffered a stroke in February.

Kadenge suffered a stroke on February 14, following the death of his daughter Evelyn Kadenge in the United States. He was admitted in hospital for two months.

The former Harambee Stars striker, famed by the famous ‘Kadenge na Mpira shuti goal’ phrase, has been described as the finest footballer ever produced by Kenya.

The former Harambee Stars striker, famed for the ‘Kadenge na Mpira shuti goal’ lyrical phrase, has been described as the finest footballer ever produced by Kenya. He represented the national team for 14 years.

Kadenge played for Maragoli United, and scored the fastest ever goal in the Kenyan Premier League, and has also played club football for Abaluhya United, winning the Kenyan Premier League in 1966.

Kadenge had retired from the game in 1965 but made a great comeback and steered the national team Harambee Stars to victory in the inaugural East and Central Africa Challenge Cup the same year before officially hanging the boots in 1970.

He then moved to coach and was later appointed coach of the national team where he has also been serving as the manager.

“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Mzee Joe Kadenge. His death is a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation. Joe exemplified talent, dedication and patriotism. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.” ~ H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta