The death of Allan Thigo has brought back memories of Kenya’s first Africa Cup of Nations squad, a team that carried the hopes of a young nation to Cameroon in 1972.
Thigo, the Gor Mahia midfielder and captain of that Harambee Stars side, passed on recently. His passing has prompted former players, officials and journalists to reflect on the legacy of the class of ’72.
“I am glad and lucky to have met Thigo himself, Madegwa, Siang’a, Jonathan Niva when he coached Mathare United, and Nyawanga,” said Samson Ateka, SJAK Organising Secretary.
“I once met Nyawanga at the time he worked for former Hockey Kenya president, the Late Hardev Singh. I was close with Madegwa Senior, and he would often visit me at the Standard newsroom at Town House, what became Stake N Ale. He told me stories of being one of Kenya’s greatest midfielders alongside Wilberforce Mulamba.”
The 1972 Harambee Stars were Kenya’s first to qualify for the AFCON finals. Though they didn’t progress past the group stage, the team laid the foundation for the national side that followed.
“Save for Thigo, I didn’t get to see the class of ’72 play,” the Ateka recalled with nostalgia. “But I count myself lucky to have watched great players like Abass Khamis Magongo, John ‘Mo’, and Mulamba — players who could have played for any top side in Europe.”
Jonathan Niva was 29 at the 1972 AFCON, meaning he would be in his 80s today if he were alive. The writer later interacted with Niva and Siang’a when they were handling Harambee Stars as coaches.
–Legacy beyond football–
The Madegwa name continued in Kenyan sport through Livingstone’s children. While one son followed his father into football, the rest opted for handball.
Georgiadis Madegwa became Kenya’s greatest handball figure, playing professionally in Europe for Germany’s TSG Balingen. Sheila Madegwa and her sister also represented Kenya in the women’s handball league.
–Thigo’s legacy remembered–
“Allan Thigo was a true pioneer. He carried himself with discipline and pride whenever he wore the Harambee Stars shirt. For those of us who came after, he set the standard for what it means to serve your country,” Ateka said.
