A minute of silence was noticed throughout Sunday’s Group C fixtures of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali in honour of late coach Gilbert “Yaoundé” Kanyankore, who died on Saturday, July 25.
The Council for East and Central Africa Soccer Associations (CECAFA) and the Rwanda Soccer Affiliation (FERWAFA) known as for the tribute to recognise Kanyankore’s dedication and contribution to the event of soccer within the area over greater than three many years.
Sudan’s Al Hilal and Kenya’s Tusker had been the primary groups to look at the minute of silence earlier than going through off within the opening match of the day at Amahoro Stadium. Gamers, match officers and supporters joined within the tribute to honour one among East Africa’s most revered soccer figures.
Rwandan facet Rayon Sports activities, who had been as soon as coached by the Rwandan-Burundian tactician, additionally noticed a minute of silence earlier than their match.
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“The tribute recognises his devoted service and contribution to soccer and is a mark of respect following his passing,” a joint assertion from CECAFA and FERWAFA partly reads.
Kanyankore died on Saturday on the age of 72. Though the reason for his loss of life had not been formally confirmed, studies point out that the veteran tactician had been battling most cancers, which reportedly contributed to his resolution to retire from skilled teaching in 2025.
Extensively considered one of many best coaches in East African soccer, Kanyankore loved a distinguished profession spanning greater than three many years.
He coached a number of high golf equipment, together with APR FC, Rayon Sports activities and Kiyovu Sports activities in Rwanda, in addition to Burundi’s Very important’O FC, the place he received 21 trophies and established himself as one of many membership’s most profitable managers.
He additionally coached Rwanda B to victory within the 1999 CECAFA Senior Males’s Problem Cup.
