Heritage Month Series - Tribute To Our Founding Fathers

HERITAGE MONTH SERIES – TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDING FATHERS!

INTRO – September here in Mzansi is a heritage month. In joining the country in celebration, I thought it proper to look at those who stuck with football when it was not sexy to do so. Some moments were tough and most have our founding father only enjoyed fame but never the fortune. I pay homage not in order of preference hence I will not number the people. The list is endless, you are welcome to add.

DAVID PINE CHABELI – The el supremo of once Mighty Birds. While at the helm Swallows attracted many supporters like light to moth. The huge turnouts (1986 JPS final vs Chiefs) planted the idea of NSL building FNB stadium. At the end Swallows wilted under your watch, but your overall contribution is immense.

PETRUS ‘WHITEHEAD’ MOLEMELA – Larger than life figure who put Bloemfontein on the football map. He had ‘intervened’ on many occasions mostly towards the improvement of the team. His scuffles with authority for the love of the team are legendary. The best gift your gave Celtic was to let go proving if you love something let it go.

BETHUEL MOKGOSINYANA – You gathered the young boys and gave them hope. Today their supporters are proud of the star on top of their badge. Cramming the young men in your house, giving the food under such circumstances might have been hard but you preserved.

SOLOMON ‘STIX’ MOREWA – While you were assigned to work at USA 94, you immediate thoughts were with SA to emulate the Stars & Stripes. 2010 vindicated your vision. Your love for amateur games saw you lead our fight to be re-admitted into the world football family

ZOLA MAHOBE – You put style on what were the whipping boys of Mamelodi. The Sundowns we know today is what you revolutionised in the formative years of NSL. Since then Sundowns has been known to look well after their players. True some moolah was thru hustling but those were the times.

EWERT ’THE LIP’ NENE – Kick Off Magazine paid a beautiful tribute to you not so long ago. I may spoil what they said but you ‘mid-wifed’ The Glamour Boys.

Thank you so much your efforts, which shaped football in SA, the highlight being hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

By The Baboon Shepherd