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Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced plans to erect a statue of legendary Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards star Joe Kadenge outside what will be renamed Joe Kadenge Stadium, formerly known as City Stadium.

This revelation came during the launch of the Talanta Sports venue, which will be constructed to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

Joes Kadenge statue

Sakaja likened the planned statue to that of Thierry Henry at Emirates Stadium, intending to honour Kadenge’s significant contribution to Kenyan football.

He disclosed that the county will inaugurate Dandora Stadium in April during the Chapa Dimba festivals and outlined plans to complete Woodley Stadium.

“We have completed the Dandora Stadium which had stalled and we will launch it during the Chapa Dimba festivals in April. We will revamp Joe Kadenge Stadium which was previously known as City Stadium and we are also working on Woodley Stadium,” Sakaja stated.

“We will have the statue of Joe Kadenge one of our greatest football heroes just like that of Thierry Henry at Emirates. The statue will be outside City Stadium which was former Donholm Stadium,” he added.

Sakaja also revealed discussions with the head of the Sports Fund, who pledged support for the initiative to complete City Stadium.

Sakaja invited further support from President William Ruto, proposing a budget of 800 million Shillings for the project and suggesting additional contributions to enhance the stadium’s facilities.

“I have spoken to the head of the Sports Fund and he pledged to support us. Mr President, you can all support us in finishing the stadium. We have set a budget of 800 Million Shillings and if you can boost us another 800 or even more we can make a great stadium,” he added.

City Stadium has not hosted FKF Premier League matches for years and the Nairobi County Government has from time to time revealed plans to complete it under different administrations.

Upon its completion, the venue will be renamed Joe Kadenge Stadium in honour of the late Kadenge, who passed away in 2019.

Kadenge, known for his prowess as a winger, made his mark playing for Maragoli United, where he notably scored the fastest goal ever recorded in the Kenyan Premier League. He also had a successful stint with Abaluhya United, clinching the Kenyan Premier League title in 1966.

In addition to his playing career, Kadenge ventured into coaching, taking on various roles within the Kenyan football scene. He managed the Kenya national football team in 2002 and coached Tiriki Football Club alongside Antony Mukabwa while playing for Abaluhya FC in 1968. After leaving Abaluhya in 1975, he rejoined Maragoli United, first as a player and later as the team manager.

Joe Kadenge in management

Under his management, Maragoli United achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first Kenyan football club to tour Europe in 1977. During this tour, Kadenge acted as the coach, showcasing his leadership and tactical acumen. The club also made notable appearances in Tanzania and Uganda, where they faced formidable opponents such as Young Africans Sports Club and Simba Sports Club.

Kadenge’s talent for talent scouting and player development was evident in the roster he managed at Maragoli United FC, which included notable players such as Mathews Keya, Wilberforce Mulamba, and Francis Nzioka, among others.