HE CAME, he thrilled and he left!

That was the story of Thabang Lebese, who since bursting on to the local football scene back in 1993, brought joy to millions of football supporters in the country.

The saying that death comes in threes was proven true in a week when Orlando Pirates lost two of their employees, Albert Hlongwane and Shoes Makati.

Lebese sadly passed away on Wednesday night after being in the Helen Joseph Hospital for weeks.

He became a household name in South African football, having played for Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Moroka Swallows. He also played for the now defunct Ria Stars and made a single appearance for Bafana Bafana.

Banda, as he was known in football circles, made his name at Chiefs. During his seven years at the club, having joined them in 1993, he won a number of trophies. He might not have been as skilful as teammates Isaac Kungoane, Thabo Mooki, Tshepo Molatedi or Doctor Khumalo, but he had an eye for goal.

Nippy and fast, Lebese would use his predatory instincts to punish opposition teams. In a way, he was to Chiefs what Paul Scholes is to Manchester United in England - he could find space and make the most of it. But leaving Chiefs in 2000 would see a change not only in his playing career, but also in his personal life. He went to Ria Stars and then later to Orlando Pirates where they won the league championship in the 2000-01 season.

Then Lebese lost almost everything. Having driven fast cars at the height of his career, he found himself without an income. His hardships were no secret. During a TV interview recently he said he was trying to get back on his feet.

"I'm okay now because I can at least afford a pie," he said, leaving most of us in a state of disbelief.

After his admission to the hospital recently there was hope that he would recover. His mother Meisie had told Sowetan that her son could not talk when he first went in but that he had made progress.

However, that was not to be. Rest in peace, Banda.