Former East Bengal, Željezničar Sarajevo and Kenya defender Zablon Amanaka has been confirmed dead at the age 45.
Amanaka had retired at the end of 2010 season with a knee injury problem just four years after leaving Indian Super League side SC East Bengal.
A dominant and robust defender in his day, he will be fondly remembered for regularly playing for Kenya national team in the period between 1998 and 2009.
Amanaka was residing in his homeland at the time of his untimely departure as he passed away suddenly through an unknown illness, the Football Kenya Federation confirmed.
“We join the Kenyan football fraternity in mourning the death of former Harambee Stars defender Zablon Amanaka. We extend our condolences to his immediate family and friends. Amanaka played for 15 times for the Harambee Stars. May his soul rest in peace,” a statement on FKF website reads.
Sofapaka FC were among the first clubs to pay tribute to Amanaka on Saturday.
“Our deepest condolences to family and friends of the late Zablon Amanaka. During his stay at the club,Amanaka served us diligently and passionately,indeed the sporting fraternity has lost true icon. Rest well Amanaka.”
Amanaka started his football development with Kenya Breweries now Tusker FC back in 1998 before joining Kenya Pipeline until 2004 when he was snapped up by Seychelles side St Michel FC.
He also played for Željezničar Sarajevo in Bosnia and Hezegovina, East Bengal in India, Anse Reunion and La Paase in Seychelles before returning to home to join Sofapaka FC.
Amanaka’s last assignment in Kenyan football was in the Kenyan Premier League with now defucant Mahakama FC.
