Malaba football fraternity mourns demise of legendary prolific footballer

The late Godfrey Karakach Igody /KNA

The Malaba soccer fraternity is mourning the sudden death of former Boca Juniors legendary striker and prolific scorer, Godfrey Karakach Igody, alias Rasta.

Igody was found dead in his Malaba rented house under mysterious circumstances, according to the former club coach Altaf Bachu.

Bachu said he identified Igody's potential at the age of 11 years when he was playing for Boca Juniors under 13-team when they travelled to Mumias to play the Olympics in a friendly match in 2008, which they won 7-1 with Igody netting four goals.

"His star continued to rise a year later when the team travelled to Malaba, Uganda, witnessed by scouts from English Premier League club Liverpool.

The eight-team tournament saw Boca's U-13 side lose 0-2 to host Hirens in the final.

In another 14-team tournament hosted by the Nzoia junior team, Boca played 14 matches, winning 13 games and losing only one, thus recording a historic feat.

Bachu said Igody, who eventually graduated to the senior team, had won the heart of the then Sony Coach Francis Barasa, but changes in the technical bench thwarted his dreams.

Moses Imai, who took over as head coach of the senior team, together with Okoit Lok'Etyang until 2017, described the late Igody as an outstanding player who scored goals at will with lethal strikes.

"Igody guided Boca Junior to Division I with his exploits before hanging up his boots even when his services were still required," he said, adding that Igody played friendlies against Ugandan sides, Mbale Heroes, MIDA and Kenya Premier League clubs Nzoia, and Kakamega Home Boyz.

The Football Kenya Federation Busia Branch chairman Eugene Okello #Afobe 10, said it's with deep sadness that the federation extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the soccer legend, and the entire Boca Junior FC and the Malaba Community.

"The soccer fraternity has lost an icon, and we mourn with you. May Igody's soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," he said.