THE Premier Soccer League yesterday described former Bafana Bafana and Lesotho head coach April "Styles" Phumo's death as a big loss to African soccer.
The highly knowledgeable Phumo succumbed to cancer just after 11am on Sunday at a private hospital in Bloemfontein. He was 74.
"When South Africa was readmitted to international football, Bra Styles introduced us to Lesotho football," said PSL chairman Irvin Khoza.
"At that time Bra Styles was one of the top coaches in Lesotho. We have lost one of the highly qualified coaches on the continent. He was highly educated when it came to coaching education on the continent and recognised as an instructor by CAF and Fifa.
"He has also coached in the PSL for Bloemfontein Celtic, Ria Stars and lately Atlie FC. Our condolences to his family and friends."
Former Bafana Bafana coach Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala said: "Bra Styles has been sick for some time but we never thought he would leave us so early. I used to visit him at Edenvale Hospital where he always wanted me to bring him Chinese food. We were hoping he would recover.
"Bra Styles was very passionate about coaching. Most coaches in Africa, including myself, learnt a lot from him."
Former Seshego Ria Stars chairperson Ria Ledwaba said: "He was a professional par excellence. Bra Styles used to coach my club when we were still in the PSL. He was such a wonderful coach to work with. The man was passionate about development."
Soccer fan Jabu Mbanjani was also devastated, recalling the top players Phumo had nurtured. "Bra Styles had an eye for talent."
Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said: "This is a difficult time for his family and friends, and as a football association we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to all all of them in this hour of need.
"Phumo was one of the best coaches ever to set foot in this country, and was a great educator, very passionate about the game."
Phumo will be missed
THE Premier Soccer League yesterday described former Bafana Bafana and Lesotho head coach April "Styles" Phumo's death as a big loss to African soccer.
The highly knowledgeable Phumo succumbed to cancer just after 11am on Sunday at a private hospital in Bloemfontein. He was 74.
"When South Africa was readmitted to international football, Bra Styles introduced us to Lesotho football," said PSL chairman Irvin Khoza.
"At that time Bra Styles was one of the top coaches in Lesotho. We have lost one of the highly qualified coaches on the continent. He was highly educated when it came to coaching education on the continent and recognised as an instructor by CAF and Fifa.
"He has also coached in the PSL for Bloemfontein Celtic, Ria Stars and lately Atlie FC. Our condolences to his family and friends."
Former Bafana Bafana coach Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala said: "Bra Styles has been sick for some time but we never thought he would leave us so early. I used to visit him at Edenvale Hospital where he always wanted me to bring him Chinese food. We were hoping he would recover.
"Bra Styles was very passionate about coaching. Most coaches in Africa, including myself, learnt a lot from him."
Former Seshego Ria Stars chairperson Ria Ledwaba said: "He was a professional par excellence. Bra Styles used to coach my club when we were still in the PSL. He was such a wonderful coach to work with. The man was passionate about development."
Soccer fan Jabu Mbanjani was also devastated, recalling the top players Phumo had nurtured. "Bra Styles had an eye for talent."
Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said: "This is a difficult time for his family and friends, and as a football association we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to all all of them in this hour of need.
"Phumo was one of the best coaches ever to set foot in this country, and was a great educator, very passionate about the game."