Former Kayanza United Star Laid To Rest In Burundi

Jaber Khalil David, the Kayanza United midfielder who passed away on Friday 13 December 2019 was laid to rest in Bujumbura, Burundi on Sunday 19 January 2020.

To represent the Ivorian government at the burial that was held in a public cemetery outside the capital was Honorary Consul Sangare Daouda, according to French publication SportMania.Ci

Daouda passed the government’s condolences at the requiem service that was also attended by his foster parents, who were forced to travel to the central African country for the burial after Kayanza United refused to cater for the costs of repatriating the remains of the player to Abidjan.

Jaber’s coffin was draped in the country’s orange, white and green national flag before being taken to the burial place where prayers were held.

“It’s a big loss because he was such a warrior on the pitch. On behalf of all the footballers here, I present my condolences to his family and his friends. Thank you Jaber, thank you,” said teammate Birigimana Ramadhan.

The youngster, Jaber moved to Burundi in December last year to play for top-flight side Kayanza United and was training with the club when he collapsed and passed away after emergency treatment. He was aged 24.

He had a history of heart complications having previously collapsed during a friendly match while playing for ES Bingerville in Abidjan in March 2015.