Tributes to Mzion
'He was at peace with the fact that he was at one of the history-making season for Pirates, in winning the treble'
Orlando Pirates number one fan Nale Johannes “Mzion” Mofokeng died at Chris Hani-Baragwanath hospital in Soweto on Tuesday afternoon after he succumbed to low blood and diabetes related complications. He was 61 at the time of his death.
Mofokeng was also one of the founder members of the South African Football Supporters’ Association, a structure formed by the fans.
“It’s a big loss to his family and extended Pirates family. He was the face of the spiritual owners (the supporters) of the club,” said Pirates boss Irvin Khoza, who is in Europe attending to PSL matters.
“He never missed a game, he never missed the opportunity to debate issues relating to Pirates.
“Mzion lived a true mantra for Pirates, once and always.
“He was at peace with the fact that he was at one of the history making season for Pirates during the 2010/2011 season in winning the treble, the first club to achieve that in the PSL.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends, we are in regular contact with the family to prepare for Mzion’s burial.”
Former Safa president Molefi Oliphant has also sent his condolences to the family of Mofokeng.
“I have known Mzion for decades as a football administrator in Sebokeng, we used to work together in the Vaal area of various football projects.
“Mzion was one of the most dedicated soldiers of football, he was also instrumental in the development of the game in the Vaal area through a tournament he organised.”
Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Lebogang Maile said: “We will always remember Mzion for his passion for Pirates and South African soccer in general.
“Mzion was one of the ambassadors of the South African soccer fans in the build-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup and during the tournament itself.”
Mofokeng’s friend and colleague at the South African Football Supporters’ Association, Freddy “Saddam” Maake said: “I can’t believe Mzion is no more.
“The man loved soccer, he was very happy after Pirates won the treble (MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Absa Premiership). We are devastated by his death.
“I still remember when we formed South African Football Supporters’ Association, he gladly accepted to serve us as deputy president.
“Mzion was one of the faces of our body. He represented us in Ghana last year to receive an award from the Confederation of African Football on the South African fans.”
During the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Mofokeng was one of the popular supporters of the game selected to serve as Castle Super Fans in support of Bafana Bafana. Subsequent to that, he was once more roped in by the beer company to serve as one of the Super Fans for the Springboks ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Besides serving as a celebrated fan of Pirates, Mofokeng was also passionate about development through his Rautenbach Soccer Tournament.
At that time, Mofokeng was also the owner of an amateur club called Kora Greats, which was one of the top sides in Sebokeng before the birth of Two For Joy.
One of his products is Johannes “Spalaza” Mine, who went to play for Two for Joy, Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United.