South African football icon Lucas Moripe passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 74 after recently suffering from ill health that had confined him to a wheelchair.

Moripe was widely regarded as one of the greatest players in South African football and leaves behind a rich legacy that forever changed the landscape of the sport in the country.

He began his career with Pretoria Callies in 1971, leading the team to numerous victories and establishing himself as a formidable talent in the local football scene.

In 1981, he moved to the Orlando Pirates; however, his time there was cut short due to a persistent knee injury, according to South African History Online.

Despite these challenges, Moripe’s talent on the field earned him the affectionate nickname “God of Football” from his fans during the 1970s, and he captivated fans not only in South Africa but also during a stint in Hong Kong with Caroline Hill FC.

His contributions to the sports industry were significant and led to the local stadium in Atteridgeville being renamed in his honour. The Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 28 900.

Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya expressed her condolences to the Moripe family.

“It is with a heavy heart that we awoke to the news of soccer legend Lucas Moripe’s passing in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

“Moripe was a legend and a pioneer in the soccer field. His legacy and contributions to the name recognition of the City of Tshwane will not be forgotten.”

The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of football legend Lucas… pic.twitter.com/mefRHyd1nO

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 20, 2024

Moya shared her personal connection with Moripe, recalling her visits to check on his well-being, including a visit on Nelson Mandela Day in July.

“I was part of a delegation that visited Moripe’s home in Atteridgeville to present him with a new wheelchair.

“We wanted to ensure he was comfortable in his old age because he was wheelchair-bound,” she added.

The mayor also encouraged the public to support a book written by Moripe’s family through the Moripe Foundation, which illustrates his life and commitment to both his career and family.

In a statement, Mamelodi Sundowns FC also paid tribute to Moripe.

“The chairman and the Motsepe family, the board of directors, the technical team, players, management, staff, and supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn him,” read the statement.

It continued to highlight Moripe’s dedication to football, adding that he was a consistent presence at matches and that his memory would live on.

The details of Moripe’s death and funeral have not yet been confirmed.

Lucas “Masterpiece” Moripe passed away yesterday. He was an unbelievable dribbler of the ball. Without a doubt one of the most gifted players ever in our country. I was privileged to have played against him. He scored one of the greatest goals ever at Orlando v British XI RIP⚽️

— Peter du Toit (@peterSoccerBeat) November 20, 2024