Soccer’s ‘go to’ man … and more: A tribute to the late Ayub Moosa
He was one of the coast's real characters and he will be sorely missed.
It is with deep regret that we learn about the passing away of one of the great sons of the South Coast.
The demise of Ayub Moosa (59) comes as a shock to the community and to all who knew him.
As a tribute to this good soul I am beholden in my duty to reflect on my interaction with him.
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It was in 1977 that I found this colourful young man in my class and continued teaching him for the next four years.
Ayub was a curiously entertaining personality with a likable mischievousness. With that charisma he attracted numerous friends.
Notwithstanding this he was dedicated to his academic work.
But behind his character was a deeply sensitive youth. His civic consciousness and activism was part of his DNA.
It may be poignant to note that he was indeed a gifted student organiser.
In 1981 he was largely responsible for leading the first student protest at Port Shepstone Secondary.
Needless to say he used student activism to amalgamate the objectives of the broader liberation struggle.
The community might have later interacted with him as a persuasive sales representative at a family business (Lucky’s Manaba).
Even if I visited the outlet just to make a comparative enquiry, I rarely walked out without concluding a purchase.
His care and concern for the broader community – be it the Zakaat Committee at Louisianna or the civic issues in Albersville and Palmview – was central to his focus.
This lead him to stand as a candidate in the local government elections in 2011
But the late Ayub will be best remembered for his administration and organisation of local soccer.
A lifelong Arsenal fan, his non-participation in active sport did not prevent him from promoting soccer to the highest level.
Locally, he was ‘The Administrator’ and the soccer ‘go to’ man.
The fraternity will certainly remember his significant contribution.
We say farewell to a great citizen of the district.
And, while we are shocked and saddened by his death, we console ourselves that he was called to rest in this holy period of Ramadan.
On behalf of the Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, as well as on behalf of my family, and indeed all those who knew him, I convey our deepest condolences to the Moosa family.
(Written by Ronnie Nair, Deputy Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality)
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