he African football fraternity was thrown into mourning following the untimely demise of promising Kenyan striker, Ezekiel Otuoma, who died on Saturday from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars winger tragically passed away after battling valiantly with an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Otuoma was 31, was diagnosed with the disease which is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons in 2020, and it left him confined in a wheelchair.

The disease ultimately ended Otuoma’s glittering career in the Kenyan Premier League that saw him also turn out for Western Stima, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars and Talanta FC.

His wife Racheal, who stood by him all through the years, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a heartfelt social media post on Saturday morning, expressing deep sorrow:

“You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it always,” she wrote.

The distraught woman also penned an emotional message to the late footballer who died on her birthday.

“To my Husband, you left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift, and I’ll cherish it always. I loved you dearly in death, and I love you still in my heart.

“Though it was so soon, that really broke my heart. You left on my birthday, and it will never be the same again. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly and in death, I love you still,” she wrote.

The death of Otuoma has also left Kenyans in shock as many did not foresee his passing despite being incapacitated.

Since his death was announced, tributes have continued to pour in from clubs, players, and fans who remembered him not only for his prowess on the field but also for his resilience off it.

“We pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthens the Otuoma’s family, his friends and supporters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the whole football fraternity. Rest in Peace Otuoma,” his last club, AFC Leopard shared in a post on X.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of Ezekiel Otuoma after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. Otuoma will be remembered for his lethal prowess, which made him a tough opponent to face on several occasions we faced him during his playing days,” read the club’s tribute.

The striker rose to prominence during his stints with Muhoroni Youth and Western Stima and later earned a call-up to the Kenya Under-23 team in 2015 and was part of the Harambee Stars provisional squad for international friendlies in 2017.

Another of his former clubs,
Sofapaka FC, also honored his memory by emphasizing his fighting spirit.

“Batoto ba Mungu is sending love and strength to the family of Ezekiel Otuoma. A true warrior both on and off the field. A fighter has left us, but his memories will remain etched in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Ezekiel Otuoma,” the club posted.

In its tribute, Kenya Footballers Welfare Association said:

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our member and former player Ezekiel Otuoma. Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and Kenyan football fraternity.”

Michael Olunga, the Harambee Stars captain, added a personal tribute, describing Otuoma as a champion who inspired many young players with his skill and determination.

“Rest in peace, champ,” Olunga wrote alongside a photo of Otuoma in his Western Stima jersey.

The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns women’s team, Jerry Tshabalala, has been suspended indefinitely amid allegations of sexual harassment of players.

A statement by the management of the top South African team said the 44-year-old Tshabalala, who has been in charge of Sundowns’s women’s team for over a decade, has been accused of a number of allegations, including making inappropriate sexual comments to his players, as well as entering the dressing room and refusing to leave while players are completely naked.

In a statement released on Saturday, Sundowns said they had appointed a law firm to investigate the allegations against the coach with specific instructions to unravel allegations of improper conduct by the Tshabalala.

The club said it views the allegations in a very serious light and has relieved the coach of his appointment pending when the investigations are concluded.

“Sundowns has, in the interim, put Coach Jerry Tshabalala on special leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” the club statement said.

“This is not done to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation, but to ensure that the investigation can proceed expeditiously and protect the rights of all parties.

“In the event that the investigation establishes facts that warrant action, the Board will immediately take such steps as are appropriate.

“Mamelodi Sundowns will in due course make announcements on the findings of the investigation and the action to be taken,” the statement concluded.

The Sundowns female team have been a dominant force in women’s football in South Africa and on the continent since Tshabalala took over in 2012, winning seven domestic league titles, as well as two CAF Women’s Champions League crowns.