KIGALI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan football enthusiasts on Wednesday woke up to sad news that two former national soccer team legends passed away, whose causes of death remain unclear.
The two players Hamad Ndikumana alias Katauti, former captain of the national team Amavubi, and Bonaventure Hategekimana, alias Gangi died on Tuesday night.
Until his death, Ndikumana, 39, was the assistant coach of Rayon Sports, a local football club, while Hategekimana was battling undisclosed illness at Kabature hospital in Huye district, Southern Province.
Speaking to Xinhua in a telephone interview, Charles Mugemana, club doctor of Rayon Sports, said the cause of Ndikumana's death remains unknown until autopsy is done.
"Ndikumana died on Tuesday few hours to midnight. He was complaining of sharp chest pain. This is devastating news to entire Rwandan soccer fraternity most especially Rayon Sport club fans," he said.
The former Amavubi skipper had not complained of any sickness and is said to have participated in the Rayon Sport club sessions on Tuesday afternoon before retreating home in Nyakabanda sector, Nyarugenge district in the Kigali city suburbs.
"His soccer talent brought joy for entire Rwandan soccer fans. Ndikumana displayed defending skills during Amavubi qualification to 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. We shall miss him a lot," said Egide Habarurema, a Rwandan soccer fan.
Rwandan soccer fans have poured their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased soccer legends via social media sites following their demise.
"Even those who didn't live through the most glorious moments of Ndikumana and Hategikimana career will always feel the impact of these players to Rwanda football scene. This is a huge loss to our country's soccer talent development," said Didier Kamanzi, another football fan.
"Our deepest condolences to the families of Hamad and Hategekimana, we will always remember their contribution in developing Rwanda though football," said Julienne Uwacu, Rwandan minister of sports and culture on her twitter handle.
Hategekimana played for several local football clubs including Rayon Sports, APR FC, Atraco, SC Kiyovu, Etincelles, Marines, AS Muhanga, Musanze FC and Espoir FC.
Both players featured in the national team, with Ndikumana playing a key role towards Amavubi's appearance in the 2004 African Nations Cup held in Tunisia.
Ndikumana also played for several clubs in the region like Tanzania's Yanga and Burundi's Vital'O. His career also took him to Europe where he played for several clubs like Athletic Club Omonia Nicosia, KAA Gent, KV Mechelen among others. Enditem
