Victor Mukwevho Ne-vumbani
As the country mourns the death of Isaac ‘Shakes’ Kungwane, Saddam Maake is calling on all Tembisans and football lovers to observe a minute’s silence when they participate in any sporting activity over the weekend.
Kungwane was arguably one of the best left-footed midfielders produced in South Africa and Maake is the Tembisa-based, number one supporter of Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs.
Together with the former Kaizer Chiefs public relations officer, Louis Tshakoane, Maake recruited Kungwane to Kaizer Chiefs from Jomo Cosmos in 1990.
“We recommended him to the Chiefs juniors, but he was promoted to the senior team after only three weeks. He made such an impact at Chiefs that the former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Jeff Buttler, used to call him the young maestro,” said Maake.
Maake was so close to the late football icon that they would share information regarding football, including secrets within the team.
“I also visited him in hospital shortly after he was admitted. When I heard he had died, I was shocked. It was least an hour before I could contact his family,” said Maake.
Maake attended a family gathering on Sunday, where details about Kungwane’s funeral were discussed.
“I have also contacted Kaizer Chiefs, the PSL and SAFA to ask for transport as thousands of football lovers will want to attend his funeral and pay their last respects to the football icon. I am just waiting for their response, but I am convinced they will respond positively,” he said.
Kungwane’s career was cut short when he was tackled dangerously by the late former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Samuel ‘Ewie’ Kambule in a league game in 1992.
Even though he continued playing after recovering from his injury, he was never the same dribbling wizward from Alexandra. He also played for Manning Rangers, Supersport and had two caps with Bafana Bafana.
At the time of his death, he was a football analyst for Supersport, known by millions of viewers as ‘Kasi Flavour’. His is survived by his parents, five siblings, his wife and three children.
According to Maake, Kungwane will be buried at a place called Jericho, at Fafuna in Brits, on Saturday. The funeral will start at 7am.
For more information, contact Maake at 082 950 7619.
