Kenyan football is in mourning following the untimely death of Bandari Youth FC striker Daudi Zakaria, who passed away at the age of 20 after a prolonged battle with dengue fever.
Zakaria, originally from Bangale in Garissa County, was a standout talent whose 23-goal haul in the FKF Coast Region League last season earned him the golden boot and played a pivotal role in securing Bandari Youth’s historic promotion to FKF Division Two.
Head Coach Alex Shikanga paid a moving tribute to the young forward, describing him as “a game-changer” both on and off the pitch. “We are really hurt,” he said. “But we accept the will of God.”
Zakaria had been struggling with dengue fever for several months. After showing signs of recovery and briefly returning to training, his condition deteriorated following a match against Sango Sportiff on May 3. His health worsened in July, prompting a transfer from Mwingi Sub-County Hospital to Garissa County Referral Hospital, where he sadly passed away.
“He kept saying he wasn’t okay,” Coach Shikanga recalled. “Even after we gave him time off, he never fully recovered.”
Bandari Youth FC CEO Tony Kibwana hailed Zakaria as one of the most gifted players of his generation. “He helped us win the Bingwafest Cup and was instrumental in our promotion. We will dearly miss him,” he said.
Zakaria’s passing marks a painful loss for his club, his community, and the broader Kenyan football family.
Written By Rodney Mbua
