SEDIBENG.- My editor, Lerato Serero, handed me The Roaring Whisper, a must-read book about Dr Molefi Oliphant written by Vaal University of Technology Professor Teboho Pitso.

Dr Oliphant is the Honorary Lifetime SAFA President, and South African football history can never be written without mentioning his name. He was far more than just a football administrator, having served as a teacher, school principal, director of education, and an academic of note.

The first time Zakes’ Sports Corner met this iconic administrator was long before the sporting facilities were built, during the soil-turning event for the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Centre in Zone 14, Sebokeng.

He is a massive figure in South African football.

The late former Minister of Sport Steve Tshwete was in attendance, along with Peter Sekosana, then Gauteng MEC of Sport. Zakes’ Sports Corner would also not do justice to this story without mentioning former Emfuleni Local Municipality Sports and Recreation employee Prof Sebeela. This was where Zakes’ Sports Corner came faceto-face with Dr Oliphant, a massive figure in South African football.

Zakes’ Sports Corner still recalls asking him for an interview.

While Professor Pitso’s book highlights many details about Dr Oliphant’s upbringing, Zakes’ Sports Corner has always known him as a dedicated football person and academic. I followed his football career with keen interest over the years.

I can still remember that special day vividly.

The most priceless moment came in 2006 when my editor at the time, Makhosazana Zwane, assigned me to cover the event where the Vaal University of Technology awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Sport Management to this renowned administrator.

I can still remember that special day vividly.

Dr Irvin Khoza, alongside other notable figures in South African football, also attended the event. It was a huge responsibility for me, and to make things even more interesting, I was the only journalist in the room covering the event.

I was tasked with taking photos as well as writing the story, and I was nervous to say the least.

When Zakes’ Sports Corner covered that ceremony, little did I know that I would one day become so close to this amazing human being.

Professor Teboho Pitso’s book brought back fond memories of growing up and looking up to this iconic administrator, covering everything one needs to know about Ntate Oliphant. For starters, South Africa successfully hosted the Fifa World Cup 2010 under his leadership as SAFA President.

Zakes’ Sports Corner will live to tell the story of this legendary figure, who is like a father to me today.

My sincere thanks go to Professor Pitso for this wonderful book!