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
