LIMPOPO – The soccer community is mourning the loss of renowned soccer guru and former Black Leopards owner, Zacharia ‘Zecks’ Mathelemusa, who passed away peacefully on Saturday after a long illness.

Mathelemusa was a key figure in Limpopo football, having owned and coached Black Leopards before shifting to an administrative role. Under his leadership, the team gained prominence in the Venda Football Association, King Brew League, and the National Professional Soccer League.

His team later qualified for the national playoffs and secured promotion to the MTN League, the second division of South African football.

He played a pivotal role in developing some of the province’s top football talents, including former Leopards goalkeeper and current assistant coach Joel Masutha, as well as Nanana Masase, Tshisamphiri Madima, Wanani Mualudzi, Fanie Maphalle, Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, Christopher Netshidzivhe, and Mualuli Netshitahame.

After years of dedication to football, Mathelemusa eventually sold the team to David Thidiela and focused on his business ventures.

Former player Nanana Masase expressed deep sorrow over Mathelemusa’s passing, calling him a pillar of football development in the region. “The whole region was shocked when we heard of his untimely death. We spent many years with him, and even in his last days, he could not stop talking about soccer,” Masase said.

His family is also grieving the loss. Rudzani Mathelemusa stated: “We are greatly saddened by his death, but we will have to accept it because God’s will has been done. May his soul rest in peace”.

Mathelemusa will be laid to rest on Saturday at Phiphidi. The funeral service will commence at 06:00 at the Makwarela Lutheran Church before proceeding to the burial site.