By Robert Kayindi James
Ugandan goalkeeping star Abel Dhaira who is based in Iceland is battling with abdominal cancer. Abel last featured for the Cranes in 2013.
The former URA FC, Express FC, Simba and AS Vita was diagnosed with the lethal disease last year at Nsambya hospital in Kampala where he received his first treatment before returning back to his club ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar.
“Abel Dhaira has played for this club and has had big problems with illness in recent months. He was in Uganda last year where he was diagnosed with cancer in the abdomen which has now spread to more organs,” reads part of a statement on his club’s website.
His club has now embarked on a fundraising campaign in a bid to help Dhaira get the best treatment. “The company and sponsors stand firmly behind Abel and will seek to ensure he gets the best medical care available. This is to relieve the financial burden such a difficult disease causes. The company has partnered with Vodafone decided to stand for fund raising,” the statement further stated.
A friendly match was played on Sunday for his cause in the town of Vestmannaeyjar as his current and former teammates faced off with a select team from the Icelandic second tier league.
Dhaira expressed his gratitude to the match organizers saying, “Today is a special day, it is one of the biggest days of my life and I really appreciate the organizers of the game. It truly means a lot to me.”