Mourners bid farewell to former Black Leopards boss
The former Black Leopards FC boss Zacharia 'Zecks' Mathelemus was hailed as a pioneer and a man of great vision at his funeral last Saturday.
LIMPOPO – The community of Phiphidi came to a virtual standstill on Saturday as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Zacharia ‘Zecks’ Mathelemusa, former Black Leopards FC boss and football visionary, who passed away two weeks ago.
During the emotional funeral service, Mathelemusa was hailed as a pioneer and a man of great vision, with many describing him as an irreplaceable figure in the community and the world of football.
Former Black Leopards player Nanana Masase expressed the grief shared by all: “The whole community gathered with heavy hearts, because Mathelemusa was very influential in the area”.
Masase reflected on Mathelemusa’s commitment to the development of soccer, noting that he never sought glory or money from the game, but rather worked tirelessly to develop and nurture young talent.
“He was a community builder, larger than life,” Masase added.
“We fear that no one will ever fill his shoes.”
The local community and soccer fraternity will celebrate his immense contributions to both the sport and the lives of those he touched.
Muofhe Mathelemusa, the daughter of the deceased, expressed pride in her father’s legacy, acknowledging the significant role he played in uplifting soccer and business in their community.
“We are saddened by our loss, but we trust that God has taken him for a reason,” she said.
