The basketball community is in mourning following the sudden passing of former Ulinzi Warriors tactician William Balozi, who tragically left us on Sunday night.
Ulinzi team manager Stephen Bartilol, who had a close working relationship with the late Balozi, expressed his shock upon receiving the news. He reminisced about the special bond they had formed over the years, acknowledging the deep impact Balozi had on the team.
“This news has hit us hard; it’s harrowing. We are grateful for the concern and condolences from friends and other teams in the Premier League. To his family, we extend our heartfelt apologies. They have lost a hero, a father, a mentor, and a dear friend. We share their grief; we’ve all lost a remarkable individual,” Bartilol expressed.
Bernard Mufutu, the current Warriors head coach who succeeded Balozi last year, lamented the loss as “a significant blow.” He reflected on the longstanding relationship he had with Coach Balozi, harking back to their time together from Mufutu’s early days playing for Ulinzi.
“Shortly before his passing, Coach Balozi visited us last week on Monday. The last interaction I had with him was on Friday. Despite his frailty, he remained upbeat, smiling, and joking with both current and former Warriors players. The news of his departure hit us hard, especially considering most of us had shared moments with him just two days prior,” Mufutu shared.
Former Warriors captain William Ochieng conveyed his disbelief, highlighting their close bond on and off the court.
“Coach Balozi had been in and out of the hospital for the past two months. I hosted him for the past two months, and he took his last breath in my presence. He had a stern exterior but a caring heart. He could be strict yet managed to impart understanding through his teachings. My deepest sympathies to his family. Balozi was like a father, a brother, and a confidant to me. He played a significant role in shaping my life; we shared countless experiences in and out of basketball. His legacy will endure, and I wish his soul eternal rest,” Ochieng shared.
Ulinzi captain Eric Mutoro, who spent years under Balozi’s guidance, both as a player and captain, grieved his loss deeply.
“He was more than a brother; we shared victories and defeats. May his soul rest in peace until we reunite. On the court, he was our source of encouragement, and he genuinely believed in his players. He was the type of coach who allowed us to be ourselves,” Mutoro reflected.
Victor Bosire, the point guard for Equity Dumas, expressed shock at the news and offered prayers for Balozi’s soul.
“He possessed a compassionate heart and was more than a father figure to all of us. His care extended beyond basketball; he was concerned about our lives outside the court. To his family, I offer my condolences and support during this difficult period,” Bosire shared.
John Washika, another former Ulinzi player who captained under Balozi, remembered him as a fatherly figure.
“Known as ‘Man Lozi,’ he served as a fatherly presence to many of us. Despite being our head coach, he consistently encouraged me to believe in myself and strive for my aspirations. His absence will be deeply felt. He truly was the best coach,” Washika reminisced.
Ulinzi basketball team also paid tribute to Balozi’s substantial contributions to their growth.
“We’ve lost a father, a brother, a motivator, a teacher, a comrade, and a champion with the heart of a lion. Coach ‘Lozi,’ we will miss you tremendously, but we will forever celebrate your years of dedication to this outstanding team,” the Ulinzi basketball team stated.
Balozi’s legacy in Ulinzi’s basketball history is notable. He served as assistant head coach from 2002 to 2006, during which Ulinzi clinched the KBF men’s Premier League title five consecutive times.
He then secured the same achievement twice as head coach in 2015 and 2019. Born in 1971, Balozi joined the military in 1992, dedicating himself to the service until his untimely passing.
