SEDIBENG.- Former Bafana Bafana dreadlocked midfielder Augustine ‘Mthakathi’ Makalakalane was invited to the ST Paul African Apostolic Church Thanksgiving feast to share a word of God with the congregation.

This annual Thanksgiving feast took place in Moletsane in Soweto on Sunday.

Makalakalane was one of the guest speakers who were invited to celebrate this day with the church congregation.

In fact, it was not the first time he was invited to grace this occasion, which is one of the biggest church celebrations in Gauteng. This event was attended by who’s who in church ministries, politics, entertainment, and sports, especially football.

Makalakalane is still celebrated as one of the iconic former Bafana Bafana players.

He, together with some of the former soccer greats, was invited by the church’s leader, Bishop David Ramela.

Lucky Mhlathe is another former soccer great from Vaal who was invited to attend this celebration.

To make it interesting, these two, Makalakalane and Mhlathe, are both former Jomo Cosmos players, even though they played in different eras.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Makalakalane said he was honoured to be part of this occasion. He told Sedibeng Ster that being invited to church humbles him.

He said that most of the time, former soccer players are only invited to football events.

“This is the second or third time I have been invited to this church, and I want to thank the church leaders, especially Bishop Ramela, for always inviting me to this celebration. I grew up in church, and for me, it was like going to Sunday church service. I was honoured to share the stage with bishops, pastors, and political leaders.”