Former Senegal international Jules-Francois Bocande died at the age of 54 on Monday in the French city of Metz where he played two seasons between 1984 and 1986.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the news on Monday evening, adding that the former striker had been unwell for months after he suffered a stroke and recently travelled to France for treatment, where he died after a surgical intervention.
Bocande began his professional career in 1978 at Senegalese club Casa Sport but it was at FC Metz he enjoyed wide success, scoring 25 goals in the 1985-86 season to finish top scorer of the then Championnat de France.
He later moved on to Paris Saint Germain, Nice and Lens and participated in the 1986, 1990 and 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring 20 goals for the Teranga Lions in 73 appearances.
Upon his retirement from international football in 1994, he was appointed as the national team’s coach but was quickly demoted to become a member of the coaching staff.
“It's an enormous loss for Senegalese football. We knew that he was suffering. Bocande revived Senegalese football. He gave everything to Senegalese football through his talent and his commitment,” said the FSF president Augustin Senghor.
The Senegalese government announced on state television that the fallen player would be honoured with a state funeral.