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FAMILY GRIEF: Mathe Mathope and Keke Mdluli. PHOTO: MOHAU MOFOKENG

His sister Mathe Mathope said yesterday they were alighting the cow to be slaughtered for their mother's funeral at a family home in Zola, Soweto, when police arrived to tell them about Mdluli's death on Saturday.

Mdluli, 62, popularly known as Coloured Passmore in football circles, died at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

He was diabetic, had suffered a stroke, had high blood pressure and a liver illness.

"It was a double blow for some in the family, but to others, considering his long illness, it was a relief for him," Mathope said.

She said the news forced them to change funeral plans.

"We had to tell the people who had brought the cow in to take it back because they would be buried in a joint funeral," Mathope said.

Their mother Betty Mdluli, 83, died last week.

Mdluli rose to prominence in football circles when he bought soccer club Giant Blackpool which entered the then National Soccer League's first division (now Professional Soccer League's (PSL) premiership) and beat all the big teams in the league.

He took over a family panel beating company, and went on to open his car dealer in Klipspruit.

His brother Keke Mdluli said: "Coloured enjoyed his life. He also brought us up and taught us the business."

He will be buried with his mother on Saturday.

Comments

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Thu May 23 23:11:24 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 12, 2012

Sboro

Tjo, Coloured Passmore. Not meant to be complimentary, however he is one of the first gintsa's in Soweto back then. RIP.
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Jun 12, 2012

guiliano

Its a double blow really and according to my culture death is never a relief.
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Jun 12, 2012

uMnuz

Such a sad sorry turn of events, thoughts are with family & friends. God bless.
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Jun 12, 2012

SharpSharp

I dont want to be rude but atleast God know that the two need to be buried together...I think they loved each other very much..RIP
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Jun 12, 2012

KarlZimbiri

I remember the Giant Blackpool that had the likes of Fani Madida, John Shoes Moshoeue, Jury Bantwana, Jerry Skhosana, what a brilliant team. It got relegated in 1993 under a different, after it exchanged ownership twice.
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Jun 12, 2012

lebloza

May her soul rest in peace. Everything happens for a reason.
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Jun 12, 2012

Owami36

Why in the name of all things that makes sense did he want to be known as "Coloured Passmore" when he had name and surname. It's not like he was an entertainer. Bathong. RIP
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Jun 12, 2012

Rathebe

"Coloured" Mdluli contributed immensly to SA soccer,introducing stars such as Gavin Lane, Andrew Ramsden, Shoes Moshoeu, Fani Madida, Jury Bantwana, Jerry Sikhosana... the list goes. May your soul & that of your mother rest in peace.
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Jun 12, 2012

keepchange

RIP
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Jun 13, 2012

MOTETE-PHEZULU

MORNING GUYZ, SHAME THIS IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. MARA ANYWAY EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON INDEED
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