Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Condolences are pouring in for former Kaizer Chiefs medico and political activist, Phil Maepa, who died last Friday after a long illness.

Maepa, who quit Amakhosi in February this year due to personal problems, will be buried at Thokwane village in Driekop, Limpopo, on Saturday.

Kaizer Motaung, Chiefs' chairman, said: "He always availed himself to help his players even beyond the scope of his work.

"His passing away is a loss to the soccer fraternity and medical industry that is in need of people of his calibre.

"On behalf of the club, I send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Maepa family, friends, colleagues and the affected ones."

Soccer administrator Andrew Dipela said, said: "It's a great loss to South African football and sports in general, Dr Maepa was a great soldier of South African soccer.

"People like him who understand sports medicine are even more necessary today to help prepare our clubs and national teams."

Ephraim Nematswerani, Bafana Bafana and Moroka Swallows doctor, said: "I was shocked when I receive the news here in Beijing that Dr Maepa has died. When some of us were still studying medicine, Dr Maepa was one of our role models. I have learnt a lot from him, the man was knowledgeable about sports medicine."

Dan Leboa, veteran soccer leader, said: "We have lost a great man, a soldier of South African soccer. Our condolences to his family and friends."

Mpibi Maepa, Maepa's younger brother, said a memorial service will be held at Siyabuswa hall in Mpumalanga on Thursday at 2pm.