Joe Kadenge


Joe Kadenge was a Kenyan football player and coach. Farayi Mungazi, writing for the BBC, has said that he is "regarded as the finest footballer ever produced by Kenya."

Career

Playing career

Kadenge played for Maragoli United, and scored the fastest ever goal in the Kenyan Premier League. He also played club football for Abaluhya United, winning the Kenyan Premier League in 1966.
In addition, Kadenge was part of the Kenya national football team.

Coaching career

Kadenge managed the Kenya national football team in 2002.
1968 While playing for Abaluhya FC he coached Tiriki Football Club with Antony Mukabwa. In 1975 he left Abaluhya Football Club and rejoined Maragoli United FC as a player. He played briefly then retired. He was appointed the Team Manager of the Club. When Maragoli United FC toured Netherlands in 1977 he acted as the coach. That time Maragoli was the first football club from Kenya to tour Europe. Under his management, In 1976, the club also played in Tanzania where they drew 0-0 against Young Africans Spots Club and lost 2-1 to Simba Sports Club. The same year they played Uganda Express whom they worn 2-1 and drew 0-0 with Simba Sports Club in Kampala. He was very good at poaching players and on record he was one the best Team Managers.

Personal life

Kadenge suffered a stroke in January 2006. He suffered a second stroke in February 2019 and died on 7 July 2019, aged 84.