Sat, 20th July 2013;
Nile 03 -64 Buffaloes (At Jinja Rugby Grounds)
No one knows the hour, nor the day of the unfortunate-Death. What started like any other delightful day on the Ugandan Rugby menu of the opening day fixtures of the 2013 Uganda Cup ended in pain, tears and total disappointment. This followed the sudden death of Yusuf ‘Baban’ Zaidi, who collapsed during the Nile-Buffaloes game at Dam Waters Rugby Stadium in Jinja on Saturday.
The traveling contingent from Kampala safely arrived, so did the entire Nile team, including the unsuspecting and jovial Yusuf Zaidi. By kick-off time, the Nile Rugby arena was filled to capacity and indeed nobody suspected something worrying to befall.
Reports from Jinja indicate that the late Yusuf Suffered a collusion with a Buffaloes player, he was treated out and because of his profound love for the game, he quickly rushed back to catch the thrilling action minus the knowledge of the medical team.
Zaidi, who has been a student at Jinja Secondary school then collapsed and was rushed to waiting ambulance for treatment. He was pronounced dead on his way to Jinja Hospital.
Unfortunately, Zaidi’s teammates suffered a double tragedy as they lost the match 03-64 to a resilient Buffaloes team. None of the Nile players could even afford a comment after learning of the news of Zaidi’s demise. The Club Chairman, a one Edward Ochieng, was totally engulfed in grief as he spoke to the Kawowo Scribe.
‘Its very unfortunate, this is merely an accident and Zaidi has died a hero, for he died fighting passionately for the sport”, Eddie said.
Zaidi becomes the latest Ugandan sportsman to die on the sports ground after former Standard High School Zana and Bunamwaya FC (now Vipers) player, Alex Katete collapsed and died of a heart attack in the Indian town of Silchar in March 2009 during his team’s 2-1 loss to Lajong Sports Club in India’s Division One league.
Relatedly, earlier March 2013,a 17-year-old John McCrae Secondary School student in Ottawa, Rowan Stringer, died following a severe head injury she sustained during a school rugby game. Zaidi is set to be buried in Jinja, Walukuba on Sunday.
Kawowo Sports will keep you updated on the coming developments. Rest in Peace Zaidi.
Other Results on the Opening Day:
Mongers 36: 12 Stallions
MTN Heathens 102 – 00 Mbale Elephants
Sheraton Stallions12 Sadolin Mongers 34
DMark Kobs 51 Lira Bulls7
Mutoni Warriors v Boks, 5pm
Gulu Elephants 6 G4S Pirates 18
Xfm Impis 12 Rams 0
UCU v Rhinos, (postponed to Monday, 22nd July)
