Former India goalkeeper Bandya Kakade, a member of the squad that won bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, passed away here on Wednesday. Family said the 67-year-old former custodian died of heart attack.
Kakade, who led a bachelor’s life, was selected for the Indian junior team in 1964. He was soon picked up to play for Central Railway. He went on to represent Mafatlal before joining Tata Sports Club, for whom he played for close to two decades.
Kakade was honoured by the Maharashtra government with Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 1975-76. “He was one of the most stylish goalkeepers I have come across. He was very hard working and set an example for others,” his contemporary SS Narayan told DNA.
Kakade hailed from a family of tailors and showed little interest in studies as a boy. He was interested in football and tennis, and often acted as the ball boy in the courts near his house. He was involved in football-related activities even after retirement. “His knowledge about the game was immense and was always willing to share it with youngsters. It’s a big loss for the football fraternity,” Western India Football Association secretary Souter Vaz said. The funeral will be held on Thursday at 9am at Daulat Nagar, Borivli (E).
