The football family in Bamenda and beyond has bid farewell to midfielder Raisu Hadji, who was finally laid to rest this Saturday after a dramatic 48 hours of confusion over his reported death.
Raisu, who had been seriously ill, was first declared dead at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital on Thursday 18 September. His family quickly settled the bills with support from well-wishers, and preparations for burial were concluded. On Friday morning, worshippers gathered at the Mile 2 Masjid and Dawah Centre for funeral prayers, only to be stunned when Alhadji Yaya, a senior Muslim official, announced that doctors had found him still alive in a coma.
The announcement, which came just hours before his scheduled burial, sent waves of relief and disbelief across Bamenda, with many calling it a miracle. However, his condition worsened later that day, and he was eventually confirmed dead on Friday evening.
In line with Muslim tradition, his body was transported in the early hours of Saturday 20 September by the community ambulance. Prayers were said at the Mile 2 Masjid and Dawah Centre before his burial at the Mulang cemetery in Bamenda II subdivision. Many including fellow footballers turned out to pay their last respects, just as they had gathered the previous day during the rumours of his survival.
Known for his midfield mastery and experience, Raisu Hadji wore the colours of several clubs across Cameroon’s football pyramid. He played for PWD Bamenda, Bang Bullet, Bafmeng United, Hilltop Strikers, Rangers FC of Bafut, and most recently Dream Team FC Bamenda.
Tributes from teammates, fans, and football lovers described him as disciplined, committed, and gifted with vision on the pitch. His passing marks the end of a career that inspired many younger players in the region.
From us at Hilltopvoices, May his soul rest in peace.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
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