Kalusha pays tribute as Zambia dismiss report Kabungo died in a stampede
She said Kabungo died after collapsing as he was walking to a doping room with some players and officials at the stadium
The government of Zambia has dismissed as false social media reports that Joseph Kabungo died due to the stampede at the Abuja Stadium.
Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda affirmed that Kabungo did not die in a stampede by fans at a stadium in Nigeria in a statement issued to ZNBC news in Lusaka Friday.
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It will be recalled that a post on Twitter by Osasu Obayiuwana read: “Sad news: I understand that an official for the Super Eagles of Nigeria v Ghana Black Stars match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in Abuja today," he wrote in an early tweet.
He then added: "Update: His name is Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death is not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed."
A Ghanaian sports journalist, Collins Atta Poku, who claimed he was at the venue also gave a vivid account of the sad incident.
"They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with oxygen mask. He was taken to hospital later and now this. Sad," he replied Osasu's tweet.
But Kasanda Zambia government spokesperson dismissed Obayiuwana and Poku's report as false.
She said Kabungo died after collapsing as he was walking to a doping room with some players and officials at the stadium.
She said the Zambian High Commissioner in Nigeria informed his home government that Kabungo had earlier informed other officers on duty that he was feeling tired.
Kasanda said the public should therefore ignore a statement suggesting that Kabungo died as a result of the stampede.
She says the death of Kabungo is a loss to the nation and the government has sent its condolence to the family and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
Meanwhile, Zambia football icon Kalusha Bwalya has paid tribute to former Chipolopolo team physical Kabungo.
Kalusha has described. Kabungo as a humble, courageous and hardworking.
“I am deeply saddened and devastated at the sudden passing of my young brother Joseph Kabungo,” Kalusha wrote on his Facebook page.
“I am honored and blessed to have known such a humble, courageous, hardworking committed spirit of a man like Joseph Kabungo. The image of his gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.
Kabungo is a former Mighty Mufulira Wanderers reserve goalkeeper.
“May the good Lord bless and comfort his family, the greatest football family in Zambia, Africa and the World, at this most difficult time.”
Kabungo was the National Team Physician when Chipolopolo won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon at the time Kalusha was FAZ President.
