By Stanley Ebele
Dokolo -A football player died on Tuesday evening after collapsing during a match in Kwania district.
Christopher Aloka collapsed during the first half of a friendly match between students of Apac Town Council and Aculawich FC of Ayabi Sub County in Kwania district.
Goeffrey Oguti, the Chairman Aculawich FC says Aloka who came in as a substitute during the match organized by Compassion International at Aculawich Primary School in Ayabi Sub County, Kwania district collapsed after playing barely 15 minutes.
He says the player was rushed to a private clinic in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo district and the doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.
Oguti however says this wasn’t the first time the midfielder was collapsing during a football match. He notes that the player had previously collapsed during a Community Christmas Cup last year and again at another community match in 2021.
According to Oguti, doctors had earlier on advised Aloka’s family to seek medical attention for the young talent who was suspected to have heart complications.
Condolence messages from the football players and fans have been pouring in for the young midfielder who had just joined Dokolo’s Apiye FC to ply his trade in the fourth Division.
Emmanuel Warom, a Grade III Referee based in Dokolo district and LBS radio sports presenter has regretted the incident and comforted the family to be strong at this difficult time.
“ It’s a pity and I want to stand with the family and the club for the loss of his life,” said Warom of the death of Aloka.
However, Warom has advised the teams and club managers to assess the players’ health before they are chosen to play. He also advised the managers to follow the health history of all their players to avoid such incidents related to heart diseases.
Warom also challenged the players to desist from drinking alcohol and to always train before going for matches.
Aculawich FC chairman Oguti said in his condolence message that the club has lost a key player, a professional, humble, social young man. He asked the family to take heart.
