The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has joined the rest of the world to mourn the demise of footballer Ismail Cheick Tiote.
The news about the sudden death of the Ivorian footballer shocked the world on Monday evening after the combative midfielder was pronounced dead at the Chinese hospital minutes after he had collapsed in training.
FUFA through President Eng. Moses Magogo joined the football fraternity in sending their condolences to the Football Federation in Ivory Coast, family and friends.
“We all know what he could offer on the pitch. African football has lost a giant of a player who made life difficult for his opponents on the pitch in the midfield. He was always full of commitment, focus and passion whenever given chance to play’ said FUFA President as quoted by the federation website.
“Our Condolences go out to the Ivory Coast Football Federation following the loss of a player who was hugely followed by football fans around the world including Uganda,” added Magogo.
“We pray that the Almighty keeps his family, relatives and friends strong during these trying times. Football will miss Chieck Tiote.’
Reports indicate, Tiote collapsed on pitch in training with his club Beinjing Enterprises and was latter pronounced dead.
The midfielder is best remembered for his remarkable thunderbolt as Newcastle United came from 4 goals down to draw with Arsenal in the English Premier League in 2011.