Tragic news from Africa, as Aberdeen Shikoyi, the captain of the Kenyan women’s rugby team, has died after sustaining a spinal injury last week.
She was leading her team against Uganda in the first leg of the Elgon Cup when an opponent’s knee hit her spine during a tackle, and she was further injured in the scramble for the ball afterwards.
She was airlifted from the pitch and taken to hospital in Nairobi for surgery. She passed away on Saturday night, a few hours after her team defeated Uganda in the second leg to claim the Cup.
Aberdeen Shikoyi was captain of her club, Mwamba Invaders, and had represented her country for twelve years in dozens of matches. The Kenyan Rugby Union issued the following statement.
“The KRU confirms the death of Aberdeen Shikoyi. We and the entire rugby fraternity are thankful for her service, dedication and leadership offered to the game of rugby and is saddened by her passing on. We also pay tribute to Uganda Rugby Union and the medical teams in Uganda and Kenya who ensured that she received the best medical treatment possible.”
Anon
Guest
Am a rugby fun from kenya thanks for the condolence she was buried this past saturday 12th may
anthony
Guest
very sad.she was an inspiration to up coming young women rugby players not only in kenya.R.I.P
The Great G Nepia
Guest
Very tragic news, my sympathies go out to her friends and family.
Moaman
Guest
Terribly sad news.
Lorry
Guest
how tragic. thoughts.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
Terrible news. My complete sympathies.
Worlds biggest
Guest
Very sad news, thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and Kenyan Rugby.
formeropenside
Guest
Condolences to all who knew her. This is terribly sad.
BennO
Guest
What a tragedy. Indeed, condolences to her family, friends and team mates.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
My word, that's terrible D: Condolences to all who knew her.
Shungmao
Guest
Thought are with your family, you are part of our wider rugby community and will be missed!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Very sad indeed.