By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Former players of Rangers Intl FC of Enugu on Wednesday gathered in Obeagu Osili Village in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State to pay their last respect to a deceased colleague, and former captain of the team Christian Isiadinso.

In his sermon at the event, former chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Njikoka Chapter, Rev. Bishop Emmanuel Okoro described Isiadinso's burial as another reminder of the transience and vanity of life.

Citing his message from Rev. 20 12-15, the cleric reiterated that heaven and hell were real and that every man and woman would give account of their lives before God.

While praying God to admit the soul of Isiadinso in heaven, he urged the living to live with the fear of God and service to humanity so as to make heaven.

In his speech, a former coach of Cranes of Uganda, Harrison Okagbue described Isiadinso as a cherished colleague and friend who played with them and travelled to places with them while alive.

He said, "He was one of us, he played the game of football with us but he can no longer return our passes or talk back at us, we will miss him dearly."

Rev Fr.Okoro regretted that death was taking away legends of football in Southeast and called on the society and state governments to celebrate them while they were alive.

Isiadinso was captain of Rangers between 1981 and 1984 and died on March 13 at the age of 64.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Augustine Igweokolo, Chairman, Ex Rangers Intl FC players described Isiadinso as a unique man on and off the pitch of play.

Igweokolo said he was a spectacular midfielder and his opponents’ nightmare would be missed solely.

While commiserating with the family Isiadinso and Ex Rangers Intl FC club, Sen. Victor Umeh said the role of the lives of the Igbo nation could never be overemphasised.

Describing himself as a personal friend of lare Isiadinso and supporter of Rangers Int, Umeh said the people were proud of them and would ever cherish them for their contributions to Southeast.

He added, "The death of Isiadinso is a great loss to us because he was part of the history. Now that he is gone, we pray that he will make heaven and our prayer is that we will not die prematurely even though it is a call we will all answer

“So, I commiserate with you and pray you all live to fulfill your dreams and visions” he said.

The event witnessed a symbolic play hy former Rangers greats as last game match with their former colleague who did not respond to their passes and banter .

The brief display of football field activity evolved emotions and brought tears to the eyes of many among those where present

Some of the vveterans present at the event were, Sylvanus Okpala, Chief JoeMartins Uzodike, Authur Ebunan, Victor Nwangwu, Harrison Okagbue, ex Cranes of Ugandan Coach, Ben Ugwu (Surugede) among others.

Also at the event were his schoolmates at Christ the King College, Onitsha, aa well as friends and family