SEDIBENG.- The passing of Alex Shakoane made me to think back when the club Public Relations Officers (PROs) were the order of South African football. They were crowd pullers, unlike today’s PROs who sit in the comfort of their offices and rely on social media platforms to do their jobs.
“Gold Finger” as Shakoane was affectionately known in football circles will go down in the history of South African football as a selfless football administrator who served this beautiful game with distinction. Those with long memories will attest to this, in the past the club PROs were success stories to South African football.
However, the same cannot be said about the current generation of PROs who rely on social media and technology to do their job. But having said this, things have changed, it is not as if TOUCHLINE blames them.
Times have changed, whether for good or better it is up to you to judge!
Farewell Mr Gold Fingers, no one can question your loyalty to this beautiful game, you served football your entire life, you have run the race and now it is time to rest!
Growing up, I used to listen to you on Lesedi FM with Chomane Chomane ahead or after Mamelodi Sundowns’ games, especially against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, and liked how you used to provoke both teams’ supporters. When TOUCHLINE heard of your passing, I paused and reflected back to when Mamelodi Sundowns would dominate Kaizer Chiefs in the then Ohlssons Challenge Cup with great players in the history of South African football.
Many will remember your days when Mamelodi Sundowns was known for the ‘piano and shoe shine’ kind of football. You understood South African football and without you, South African football will never be the same.
Heaven is richer with other former football administrators that you will join in heaven.
