Retired Rally Navigator Sayed Kadri Dies at 58 Years
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The rallying community mourns the loss of retired rally navigator Sayed Kadri, who passed away at the age of 58. Kadri was found deceased in his bed this morning at his residence in Najera, with initial reports indicating a likely cause of death as a heart attack.
Guiding star dimmed , but the rally’s spirit burns bright.Rallying Legend Sayed Kadri Mourned by Community
Sayed Kadri’s journey in the world of rallying was marked by dedication, skill, and numerous accomplishments. He embarked on his rallying career alongside the late Riyaz Kurji in 2002, piloting a Nissan Pulsar at a sprint event in Kaazi. Their partnership endured for seven remarkable years, during which they etched their names into the annals of African rallying history.
Kadri’s resilience came to the fore during the KCB Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in 2009, held in Mityana, where he miraculously survived a terrifying accident that sadly took Riyaz Kurji’s life. Despite the adversities, Kadri and Kurji were widely acknowledged as one of the continent’s most formidable crews, narrowly missing out on the 2007 African Rally Championship title by a mere two points, trailing behind late Muna Singh.
Their collaboration yielded remarkable victories, with the duo clinching the prestigious Pearl of Africa Rally in 2005, 2006, and the fateful 2009 edition, cementing their legacy as formidable competitors on the rally circuit.
Sayed Kadri’s final competitive outing occurred in 2015 when he teamed up with Kuku Ranjit, navigating a Mitsubishi Evo9. However, the event took a somber turn when Kadri experienced a panic attack after the super special stage, prompting his withdrawal from the competition. Despite his absence, Kuku Ranjit valiantly completed the event with another co-driver, demonstrating the enduring spirit of camaraderie within the rallying fraternity
The rallying community bids farewell to Sayed Kadri, a stalwart whose passion for the sport transcended the confines of the racetrack. His contributions to African rallying will be remembered fondly, and his absence will be keenly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral arrangements for Sayed Kadri have been scheduled for tomorrow, with further details to be provided in due course. As the rallying world comes together to honor his memory, his legacy will endure through the indelible mark he left on the sport he loved.
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