Like father, like son. Legendary Livingston Madegwa, who died in 2006, played for Abaluhya (now AFC Leopards), Kenya Breweries (now Tusker) and the national team, Harambee Stars, in the 1960s and 1970s.
His son, a legend of his era, Richard Madegwa, also played for the same three football teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
The junior Madegwa was a hard tackler and set-piece expert who knew how to use his physicality to good effect. He possessed a powerful shot and was adept at long-range shooting, just like his father.
Richard, fondly known as “Mades” or “Richie”, died in Nairobi on September 28, after a short illness. He as aged 57. He will be laid to rest at Lugala village, Shinyalu Sub-County, Kakamega County on Saturday.
Madegwa started his playing career at Eastleigh High School in Nairobi after completing his KCPE at City Primary School.
But his breakthrough came after joining AFC Leopards in the early 1990s. His talent was good enough to earn a Kenya call-up soon after.
The late coach Gerry Saurer, then the Harambee Stars coach, spotted him while playing against Scarlets FC in Nakuru.
At Ingwe, Madegwa, played alongside other legends including Reginald Asibwa, Wycliffe Jumba, Paul Ochieng, Tom Juma, Shadrack Ateka, Edward Karanja, Francis Oduor, Washington Khamadi, William Inganga, Ben Gachie, and the late Sebastian Andulu.
Born and raised at Tusker village in Ruaraka, Nairobi, Madegwa played for Tusker Youth FC alongside George Opondo, Fred Serenge, Festus Serenge, Joe Serenge, Maurice Owiso, Dennis Odhiambo, Oki Okiru, Vicky Okwemba, the late Jose Opondo, Man Marwa, Mohamed Aziz among others.
The talented Madegwa joined the senior Tusker team in 1986, on the same day that Fred Serenge, Boniface Oduor, Moses Odhiambo from Jericho, Musa Otieno, Joseph Maina, Swaleh Ngoi and Mohamed Nassir also crossed to the brewers. His shift to Leopards was inevitable.
AFC Leopards players (from right) Sabastian Andulu, Richard Asabe, Richard Madegwa, John Odie and William Inganga at Nyayo National Stadium just before their 1991 Super Cup match against Kenya Breweries.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Madegwa was the managing Director of Kasarani Youth Sports Association (KYSA), a football academy for boys and girls aged between six and 23 years.
He was a trained coach with a CAF Licence. He mostly worked with players from vulnerable backgrounds in informal settlements including Mathare, Baba Dogo, Korogocho and Githurai.
Madegwa used football as a tool for keeping young people away from social vices, including drug abuse, while helping identify and develop talent.
He coached the Kenya Deaf Futsal team and served as assistant coach of the Kenya Under-17 team. He also served as the AFC Leopards team manager.
Said former Harambee Stars player Sammy Sholei: "If a man had the power, I would be the first to ask for Richie to come back so that we could have one last serious talk.
“Today, I celebrate a fallen brother, a friend and man who became part of my life and my family. Rest In Peace Brother."
AFC Leopards Patron Alex Mutesh said: "We have lost a great legend who contributed a significant part of his life in the development of football in Kenya as a player, a coach and an administrator. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Former international defender Reginald Asibwa who played with Madegwa at AFC Leopards under the late Reuben Malola added: "AFC Leopards Legends Association are deeply saddened by the passing on of club legend Richard Madegwa.
“Richard didn’t just win games for Ingwe through his ferocious shots but also defined the spirit, heart and standards of the club."
Madegwa’s sister, Grace, said his body will be moved from Chiromo Mortuary tomorrow to Kakamega where he will be buried. He is survived by his wife and six children.
