Tributes flow for late Cuca Tops skipper

The untimely death of influential Cuca Tops captain Kashikola ‘Shashi’ Johanes has left the Namibian football fraternity reeling in shock.

Johanes reportedly died at Rundu on Saturday following a short illness, just as Tops, which he recently guided to promotion to the Namibia Premier Football League, were about to play their final game of the season against arch-rivals Rundu Chiefs.

Kashikola will be laid to rest this Saturday at Mpungu village.

Cuca Tops chairman Herculano Mwenyo sent a message of condolence to the family and the club’s supporters.

Mwenyo described Johanes’ death as a shock and said his presence will be sorely missed.

“As a club we are mourning, we have lost a very great leader. He was instrumental in most of our games, especially the away games we played against Oshikango Chiefs and Further Fighters, as well the home games against Ntunguru and Kanguru Black tops. Those were his last games for us,” Mwenyo told Desert Radio this week.

After their game against Rundu Chiefs, Johanes’ clubmates presented his bereaved family with his North East First Division title-winning gold medal.

“It was really an emotional moment but we leave it in the hands of God,” Mwenyo said.

Life Fighters from Otjiwarongo were among the football clubs to show solidarity with the Cuca Tops family.

“We pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthens the Kashikola family, his friends and former teammates at club and national level. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and teammates at this trying time. Rest in peace captain Shashi,” the Life Fighters statement reads.

Fellow Rundu outfit Julinho Sporting, through its head coach and co-founder, Nelson Luis, also conveyed condolences to the fallen star’s family and club.

“He was one of the faces of Cuca Tops, a captain and a true leader. To lose someone like Kashikola is very difficult. But the club should remember the beautiful moments they experienced with him and strive forward with that,” Luis said.

“We feel Cuca Tops’ pain and we mourn with them. It’s one of my former clubs that I played for. We are Kavango East and we share your pain. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Luis.

For funeral arrangement details or to render support, contact Cuca Tops team manager Christian Mukuve on 081 371 0312.