Ingrid Sofia Munro issued a moving tribute during her late husband and Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) founder Bob Munro’s funeral service at St. Andrews Church on Monday.The former Mathare United chairman passed away on Sunday 19 January at his Westlands, Nairobi residence.More millions for Kariobangi Sharks? Star midfielder arrives in Sweden for trialIngrid told hundreds of mourners who turned up for the funeral service how the late Munro died in her arms while they were waiting for an ambulance to take him to hospital.“He had been ailing for a while and on that day he got worse and he called an ambulance. While we were waiting, I was holding him in my arms and he said ‘Oh Ingrid I’m dying’. But I replied ‘No, you are not’ and then he went quiet. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8658075##I thought maybe he was unconscious. When the medics came and looked at him they confirmed that he had died,” she told mourners.Speaker after speaker praised Munro’s integrity and commitment to Kenyan football.Levis Opiyo on motivating Humphrey Katasi after costing AFC LeopardsHarambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi said the late Munro transformed his life and the lives of many people who live in the Mathare slums.“I was the first captain of Mathare United and Munro challenged me on how to become a great leader including the need to look decent. At the time, I had dreadlocks on my head and he encouraged me to cut it off,” said Kimanzi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8658039##Mathare United Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jecktone Obure praised the late Munro as a stickler for timekeeping, a man full of integrity and followed closely the performance of the team.“I started working with him in 2009 and one thing that stood out was his timekeeping. If he gave you an appointment for nine o’clock, he was there before time because he did not like wasting people’s time and did not want his time wasted either,” he said.Sofapaka reap big from ticket sales in Shabana defeatMathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) board of trustees acting chairman dispelled fears that they would go down, insisting that the late Munro had a succession plan in place.“He set up clear structures that will ensure MYSA survives. We also have enough income-generating activities that will sustain us for the longest time,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8658063##Others who spoke at the funeral service were former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) deputy president Doris Petra and former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) head of technical committee GMT Otieno.On his part, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot who has been one of the financiers of the Slum Boys in the recent past has called upon football lovers to extend with Munro’s legacy.Midfielder opens up on struggling to adapt at Ulinzi Stars”Bob has left a big legacy, one that I call upon all MYSA faithful and Kenyan football lovers to carry on with. It is our duty, and the best days for what he has left us are ahead and not behind,” said the Kericho Senator.Former FKF Vice President Doris Petra who worked with Munro for a long time during her over 12 years in football administration mourned the MYSA founder with a remarkable statement.##NAJAVA_MECA_8658063##“Bob is Kenyan football and football in Kenya, is Bob.”Former Kenya Referees Association Chairman Gilbert Moore Titus Otieno commonly known as GMT in Kenyan football circles, described Munro as an advocate for inclusivity and fairness.Could German-born duo be solution to Harambee Stars problematic position?”Bob was loved and hated in equal measure. Do you want to know why? It is because he was a stickler for inclusivity, fairness, and simply, just doing what is right,” he remarked.Munro who died aged 82 will be cremated on Tuesday 28 January at Kariokor Crematorium in Nairobi as per his wishes in a ceremony that will only be attended by close relatives and friends.
