Renowned veteran coach Mungo Jitiada, affectionately known as ‘Vigoureux’, was laid to rest on Thursday, September 12, at Rubavu Cemetery in Rubavu District following his death on the same day.

Mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Vigoureux, acknowledging his significant contribution to football in Rubavu District and the country at large.

Among those in attendance were fellow coaches, players, and staff from prominent local clubs such as Etincelles FC, Marines FC, and Rutsiro FC.

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The one-hour Muslim burial ceremony took place in Rugerero Sector at around 4 PM, following prayers at Nyakabungo Mosque in Rubavu town.

Vigoureux’s dedication to the football fraternity, his huge contribution to the sport, and his role in shaping the careers of numerous football players in the region was shared during his burial ceremony.

"He contributed a lot towards football throughout his career. He avoided having problems with his friends and neighbours all his life; those football players whom he coached are good witnesses," Sheikh Ahmad Sibomana told mourners.

"He begins a new journey of his second life after here. His death leaves us a great lesson that one day we will be gone and that we need to stop sinning against God (Allah). We have buried him, but tomorrow or anytime it will be me or you,” he added.

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The deceased, Voureux, who had been battling a long-term illness, was a former player for Etincelles FC before transitioning into coaching and talent detection in Rubavu town.

The 67-year-old veteran coach had four children with his late wife, who died in 2007.