Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Moroka Swallows legends, Mthunzi "Shadow" Kota and the now blind Colbert "Spear" Sobopha were among the beneficiaries of the Safa Soweto awards at Maponya mall in Soweto on Friday night.

The duo were presented with a R2 000 cheque each for them and their families to spend during the Christmas holidays.

"We plan to make it bigger and better next year by sourcing more money to donate to the needy soccer greats," said Phil "Chippa" Mogodi, Safa Soweto boss.

At the event, Teboho Moloi and Eugene Zwane praised Jomo Sono for his immense contribution to the development of soccer in South Africa and globally.

Sono could not attend the event because he was in Japan for a meeting of Fifa's development committee but was represented by his children.

Mogodi said: "Bra J has done such a lot for soccer in this country that we as Safa Soweto felt it was time he received what he deserved from the community."

Matsilele Sono junior, who received the award on behalf of his more famous father, said the Sono family was grateful to Safa Soweto for honouring Mjomama.

A total of 22 soccer greats were also awarded certificates and trophies for their contribution to the beautiful game.

They included Ntsie Maphike, Rudolph Seale, Bernard Lushozi, Joel Mnini, Teboho Mophaleng, Wellington Manyathi, George Lekgetho, Papi Khomane, Ernest Makhanya, Ronnie Zondi, Sipho Sephadi and Mandla Sithole.

Arthur Zwane, Thabo Mooki, John Moshoeu and Benedict Vilakazi were also honoured during the long service awards category.

As expected, Teko Modise and Siphiwe Tshabalala were recognised for ensuring that Soweto was also represented at Bafana Bafana. Gift "Continental" Leremi, Eric "Chippa" Chauke and Jacob "Bobo" Lekgetho were honoured posthumously.

Meshack "Zidane" Motloung, Sello Rabothata, Ramatsiyi Moholoa (all from Sowetan), Sibusiso Mseleku, Daniel Mothawagae, Matlhomola Morake, Sifiso Ramara and Matshelane Mamabolo were among the media personalities honoured.