To many football fans around the world, the Argentine football legend Diego Maradona who died on Wednesday at the age of 60 was something of a deity – a god in spite of his human frailties.
This holds true for many Maradona fans in Africa where tributes have been pouring in for one of the world’s greatest but most controversial footballers.
Many Africans grew up being in absolute awe of the “best dribbler” and even idolised him above players native to Africa.
Maradona almost single-handedly won the football World Cup in 1986, a feat remembered by many football lovers in Africa as one of the most seminal moments in the history of the game.
Born to a poverty-stricken family, Argentina’s most celebrated footballer rose to absolute stardom but never lost touch with his common touch, a trait which endeared him to many of the world’s downtrodden including in Africa.
There were frequent debates on the continent about who is the world’s greatest player.
The debate had pit him against Brazilian football colossus Pele,
That to Africans has never been conclusive and may not be anytime soon even after Maradona’s death.
Following his demise in Buenos Aires from a reported cardiac arrest, the Confederation of African Football put out a statement payign tribute to him as “a humble man with extraordinary skills and an incredible personality”.
CAF said the Argentine was one of the world’s first complete, modern football stars, a true icon who will be sorely missed by the football world.
Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye, an avid football follower described Maradona as the indisputable legend whose star will shine on forever.
Writing in reaction Roger Luswata added sarcastically that the world wasn’t fair with Maradona gone but Museveni still alive and kicking.
Ruvwa Jesse was however critical of the Argentine.
“He could have lived longer, but was reckless with his life notwithstanding, he was cream de la creme of football”.
Timothy Mwanguzi described the Argentine as his childhood hero.
WN/as.APA