Soccer fraternity says goodbye to Tando ‘Don’ Gqadi
Brakpan Local Football Association chairperson Phoko Mokubung says Gqadi was someone who had vision.
Tsakane – The soccer community is mourning the death of Simunye Football Club coach and co-owner Tando ‘Don’ Gqadi, born December 16, 1983, who died on April 4.
He and friend Timothy Maphosa formed Simunye Football Club in 2010, and in 2013 the club was dissolved and reformed in 2015.
Brakpan Local Football Association chairperson Phoko Mokubung says Gqadi was someone who had vision.
“We have lost a leader and community developer, especially when it came to soccer.
“He believed in the empowerment of the youth and wasn’t afraid to put in the work.
“He had recently established an all-female team in Extension 17 as part of his vision to grow soccer in our community,” says Mokubung.
He says the family must remain strong during these difficult times.
“We would like to extend our condolences to the family, supporters and teammates.
“We, as the association, are extending a helping hand should they need anything.
“We are here for the family and the team as well,” says Mokubung.
He worked with Farouk Khan of Stars of Africa Academy.
His work was recognised beyond the boarders of SA as he had a partnership with Bernhard Slawinski Vertrieb from Germany, who described him as a wonderful man who was fully dedicated.
Family spokesperson Tsepho Teno says Gqadi was a productive person who loved his family dearly.
“He loved soccer wholeheartedly.
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“He started playing at a very young age, and owning his own soccer team was a dream come true for him.
“He was passionate and dedicated and he invested a lot of time into making the team what it is today,” says Teno.
“Not everyone will have an opportunity to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes.
“The lockdown rules and regulations claim we can only have 50 people attend the funeral, which means a lot of people will not be attending the funeral.”
He will was buried on Friday at the Vlakfontein Cemetery.
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