LIMPOPO soccer star-turned-coach Hilton Ledwaba, below, had a discerning eye for gifted soccer players and mastered the art of developing that talent.
He is credited with developing and mentoring household names like Harris "TV 4" Choeu, Kingsley "Bonecrusher" Masingi and Jackie "Styles" Ledwaba (not related).
Choeu went on to play for Witbank Black Aces and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Masingi and Ledwaba featured for Orlando Pirates. After leaving Pirates, Styles Ledwaba played for SuperSport United.
Other players who ended up in the semi-professional ranks included Peter "Fuduwa" Mathekga, Edward "Tiny" Mogadime and the late Tommy "Delta Force" Malatji.
Ledwaba, who owned a popular sports bar in Polokwane a few years ago, died last Thursday after a long battle with asthma and diabetes.
At the time of his death he was working for Safa Vodacom League side Naughty Boys as head coach.
Ledwaba started his soccer career at Naughty Boys. His teammates included the renowned Pastor Clement "Rubber" Koma. Others were Timothy "Runner" Manamela, Maki Sithole and former Mohlakaneng High School headmaster Lens "Walk Tall" Mthantji.
Choeu said: "Naughty Boys had assembled a star-studded team at that time. I joined them at the age of 15, I was the youngster ever player to play for the senior team. Hilton welcomed me with open arms and advised me to work hard to realise my dream of playing in the professional ranks.
"He was so happy for me when I turned professional after joining Witbank Black Aces. Hilton was very influential in the development of my career.
"It is unfortunate he never got the opportunity to coach Premiership and national teams as he would have succeeded there too."
Naughty Boys president Koti Mokwalakwala said: "We have lost a great soldier of football in Limpopo, one man who dedicated his life to the beautiful game.
"Buti Hilton advised me on a number of issues relating to the game. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."
Ledwaba will be buried at Silicon Cemetery in Polokwane on Tuesday next week.
Coach Hilton Ledwaba was a gifted mentor
LIMPOPO soccer star-turned-coach Hilton Ledwaba, below, had a discerning eye for gifted soccer players and mastered the art of developing that talent.
He is credited with developing and mentoring household names like Harris "TV 4" Choeu, Kingsley "Bonecrusher" Masingi and Jackie "Styles" Ledwaba (not related).
Choeu went on to play for Witbank Black Aces and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Masingi and Ledwaba featured for Orlando Pirates. After leaving Pirates, Styles Ledwaba played for SuperSport United.
Other players who ended up in the semi-professional ranks included Peter "Fuduwa" Mathekga, Edward "Tiny" Mogadime and the late Tommy "Delta Force" Malatji.
Ledwaba, who owned a popular sports bar in Polokwane a few years ago, died last Thursday after a long battle with asthma and diabetes.
At the time of his death he was working for Safa Vodacom League side Naughty Boys as head coach.
Ledwaba started his soccer career at Naughty Boys. His teammates included the renowned Pastor Clement "Rubber" Koma. Others were Timothy "Runner" Manamela, Maki Sithole and former Mohlakaneng High School headmaster Lens "Walk Tall" Mthantji.
Choeu said: "Naughty Boys had assembled a star-studded team at that time. I joined them at the age of 15, I was the youngster ever player to play for the senior team. Hilton welcomed me with open arms and advised me to work hard to realise my dream of playing in the professional ranks.
"He was so happy for me when I turned professional after joining Witbank Black Aces. Hilton was very influential in the development of my career.
"It is unfortunate he never got the opportunity to coach Premiership and national teams as he would have succeeded there too."
Naughty Boys president Koti Mokwalakwala said: "We have lost a great soldier of football in Limpopo, one man who dedicated his life to the beautiful game.
"Buti Hilton advised me on a number of issues relating to the game. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."
Ledwaba will be buried at Silicon Cemetery in Polokwane on Tuesday next week.
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