Richard Nkosi
South African soccer legend Steve "Disco" Makua was given a fitting send-off in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
Makua died in a car accident between Middelburg and Witbank last Saturday.
More than 2000 mourners, including relatives, former and current soccer players, soccer bosses and government officials, bade farewell to the former Witbank Black Aces, Giant Blackpool and Orlando Pirates midfielder.
Amajimbos coach Tebogo Moloi, Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Trott Moloto, Mpumalanga Black Aces co-directors George and Mario Morfou, Witbank and Middleburg mayors Linah Malatji and Matlakeng Mahlangu were among the mourners.
Speakers described Makua as a father, mentor, motivator and a community builder.
His wife Pearl said she was going to miss him a lot.
"He was kind, broad-minded, actually a genuine person though very strict," she said. "He was a good partner and I'm going to miss him a lot."
His friend Nape Dolamo said: "He was a humble man, available to even the ordinary man in the street.
"He was also a man with a great sense of humour, who made people laugh wherever he went," said Dolamo.
Mbulelo Ngcoyane, a player from the Steve Disco Academy, said: "All our hopes are dashed now. There is no one to over from where Baba Makua left off.
"He was passionate about football and encouraged us to live clean lives.''
Many pay tribute to soccer hero 'Disco'
Richard Nkosi
South African soccer legend Steve "Disco" Makua was given a fitting send-off in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
Makua died in a car accident between Middelburg and Witbank last Saturday.
More than 2000 mourners, including relatives, former and current soccer players, soccer bosses and government officials, bade farewell to the former Witbank Black Aces, Giant Blackpool and Orlando Pirates midfielder.
Amajimbos coach Tebogo Moloi, Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Trott Moloto, Mpumalanga Black Aces co-directors George and Mario Morfou, Witbank and Middleburg mayors Linah Malatji and Matlakeng Mahlangu were among the mourners.
Speakers described Makua as a father, mentor, motivator and a community builder.
His wife Pearl said she was going to miss him a lot.
"He was kind, broad-minded, actually a genuine person though very strict," she said. "He was a good partner and I'm going to miss him a lot."
His friend Nape Dolamo said: "He was a humble man, available to even the ordinary man in the street.
"He was also a man with a great sense of humour, who made people laugh wherever he went," said Dolamo.
Mbulelo Ngcoyane, a player from the Steve Disco Academy, said: "All our hopes are dashed now. There is no one to over from where Baba Makua left off.
"He was passionate about football and encouraged us to live clean lives.''