Hungry Lions mourn death of striker, Butter
27-year-old Khuthadzo Tshikumela also known as Butter was someone who loved playing soccer with all his heart.
LIMPOPO – Tshiviliduvhu Hungry Lions are mourning the death of their lethal striker, 27-year-old Khuthadzo Tshikumela, popularly known as Butter.
Butter was reported missing on April 28, and after nearly a week of searching for him, his uncle, Tshikulumela Tshifhiwa found his body in an empty, half-built house in Tshivhilidulu village.
According to acting police spokesperson, Srgt Vuledzani Dathi, the discovery of the body was made on May 4.
“The deceased was conveyed to Tshilidzini Forensics for a post-mortem,” he confirmed, saying an inquest has been opened.
No foul play is suspected.
The young soccer star’s uncle, Robert Mamphasa, who is also the team manager for Tshivhiludulu Hungry Lions, said Butter’s death came as a terrible shock to them all.
“He was the pillar of the team; a player you could rely on on the field.
“He gave us a win when he played his last game against Berea FC. We didn’t know he was bidding us farewell,” said Mamphasa.
He said that he and his late brother, Jomo Mamphasa, had groomed Butter since he was just a young player. “He was such a good player. At one point we sent him to play for Mikhado FC because Mikhado was playing in the top tier, and he helped them to participate in the play-offs twice. This season we decided to call him back to Hungry Lions, to come and assist our young players.”
He further said he will remember Butter as someone who loved playing soccer with all his heart.
“Last weekend we played a league game against Phadzima KSP and won 2-1. We dedicated the game to him,” he said.
