PAUL Madimetja Tjale, administrator, has died. He will be buried in in Mokopane, Limpopo, tomorrow morning.

PAUL Madimetja Tjale, administrator, has died. He will be buried in in Mokopane, Limpopo, tomorrow morning.

The Moroka Swallows fan, who was born in Limpopo on September 15 1929, quickly made his way up the ranks at the famed Soweto club after he had joined the "Birds" supporters club in 1963. He had worked as a security officer at the club.

Moroka Swallows General Match Officer Sipho Xulu, who worked with Tjale on the Swallows board, described Tjale as "a committed" member of the Dube Birds.

"He was someone you could rely on as he was very fair but also firm: if he said no, that is exactly what it meant and he did not budge to anybody," Xulu said.

The two met in the early 1970s when Xulu was looking for a job and Tjale was working as a chief security officer for the club. they formed a friendship that grew strong.

Xulu said he saw him the happiest when the club celebrated its 60th anniversary.

"He took us to Moroka Jabavu Stadium where the club's roots are as he was there when it all started many years ago. He was also thrilled when it was announced that we would set up base at Dobsonville Stadium. It had always been his wish to see the club return to Soweto."

Those who worked closely with Tjale, Xulu said, would miss him the most for his wisdom and knowledge. He said they have learnt enough over the years to sustain them for years.