Masters league honours fountain of wisdom
ALEXANDRA – The Alexandra Master Soccer League has honoured one of its diligent servants of football after giving more than two decades of service to the beautiful game.
The Alexandra Master Soccer League has honoured one of its diligent servants of football after he gave more than two decades of service to the beautiful game.
Jeff Thinane (64), secretary-general of the league, was honoured for his 23 years of service, two of these years as chairman, and having served under 10 chairpersons of the league, most of whom are now late. This makes him the longest serving and oldest surviving member of the Alex legends football league.
“As stated here by various speakers, this honour is not a way of kicking me out of the league. I hope to continue to serve the organisation for as long as my body and soul are still willing,” said Thinane, who is affectionately referred to by his colleagues as Bro Jeff.
Chairperson of the league, Tshidiso Arthur Tsotetsi said when he joined this league as a player 21 years ago, he found Bro Jeff there, whom he affectionately said had become part of the furniture at the office because of his long years of service.
“I am now a retired player and leader of this league… and Bro Jeff is still here,” said Tsotetsi, urging other young leaders of the body to learn from the fountain of wisdom that Bro Jeff is.
Tello Selepe of Santos FC thanked Bro Jeff for his selfless contribution to the league all these years. “He gave up his time with his family, friends and relatives for the betterment of football and our league, and for that, we should all take our hats off to him.”
Selepe pointed out that Soweto was the biggest township in Africa, “But it does not have the structures and the kind of functionality that we have in Alex football and this is all because of people like Bro Jeff.
“I am humbled by your work and contribution,” said Selepe, urging members of the league to ‘sift carefully’ to find a person with the ‘right calibre and mentality’ to step into the shoes of Bro Jeff.
Also paying tribute to Bro Jeff was the chairperson of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association, Maisha Molepo and Josnos Malumani of Chivas FC. “I may be the chairperson of the local football association, but I still go and consult Bro Jeff from time to time,” Molepo said.
