Ex-Gor Mahia star collapses, dies
By Joel Sang, August 13, 2023Former Gor Mahia star Raphael Asudi is dead.
According to a family source who spoke to a local publication, the footballer collapsed and died while he was playing for Donholm Seniors against Thika Vitambi FC at Thika Stadium on Sunday, August 13, 2023.
Asudi collapsed in the middle of the match, causing panic among teammates and opponents. Members of the technical bench and teammates attempted to administer first aid before he was rushed to the hospital.
Death confirmed
After two hours, it was confirmed that the player had lost his life.
According to a close friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Asudi had secured a scholarship to Europe and all the formalities for travel had been completed.
“He had his visa ready after getting the sponsorship to go and study in Europe. But now that is not possible given the tragic news I have received,” the friend said.
The source intimated that Asudi had undergone heart surgery before and was thereafter told to quit football due to a heart condition.
Asudi was a product of the Gor Mahia youth team before he was promoted to the senior side. He has also played for Sofapaka and Posta Rangers in the Premier League, as well as Bidco United and Nairobi Stima.
Asudi’s death comes after previous deaths of Kenyan footballers, including Zablon Amanaka, a former AFC Leopards and Tusker defender, and Joe Kadenge, a Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards legend.
Kelvin Oliech, Dennis Oliech’s brother, who also played for Mathare United, Wisdom Naya, succumbed to cancer after a short tenure with Sofapaka.