NAIROBI, Kenya, May 12 – Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) 2017 Hall of Famer Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia legend Allan Thigo is scheduled to be cremated on Wednesday.
Thigo, who came to prominence with the record FKF Premier League champions, passed away on Saturday night at his Bungoma home after a long battle with cancer.
In a statement, the deceased’s son, Philip Thigo, says the cremation will be done in accordance with his father’s wishes.
“We are grateful for the many messages of condolence, love, and support received during this difficult time. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated within 72 hours,” Philip said.
While expressing gratitude for the many messages of condolence, love, and support, Phillip further asked for privacy for the family at this trying moment.
“While he was a public figure, his later life was private; therefore, during this critical period, as we honour his wishes, we ask for prayers and privacy as we say our final farewell,” he said.
Known affectionately as the ’90-minute man’, among many other nicknames, Thigo scored 88 goals for K’Ogalo to become the club’s second highest scorer after Sammy ‘Jogoo’ Onyango.
He was part of Gor’s legendary squad that won the 1976 league title unbeaten, in addition to reaching the final of the 1979 Africa Winners’ Cup (now known as the Confederations Cup).
On both occasions, he doubled up as a player-coach.
