Alex football mourns Madiba
ALEXANDRA - The Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association has joined the world to mourn the late Nelson Mandela and Baby Jake Matlala.
The Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association has joined the whole country and world in mourning the passing on of former and first black President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Secretary general of the association Mafika Morajane said although a lot has been said about the late president by both South Africans and the world at large, the Alex football family would like to add and pay its own respects to the Father of the Nation.
“The association would like to remember Madiba for his humanity and making sport a tool to unite, not just the people of this country but the world at large with his vision for peace. We’ll dearly miss you Tata. May your soul rest in peace,” Morajane said.
He said the association would also to take the opportunity to mourn the passing of a boxing great by the name of Baby Jake Matlala. “We share in the grief of the family. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to them and colleagues of the once-feared South African boxer, Baby Jake, as he was populary known in this country,” Morajane said.
“We say lala ngoxolo mbethi manqidi siyohlala sikukhumbula njalo [rest in peace great boxer. We shall always remember you],” he added.
The association has also announced the passing of Sibusiso Jordan, a player for Howza De Laz FC who died following an attack at Alex Stadium on the evening of the death of Madiba.
Jordan was rushed to hospital but died the same day. “To Jordan’s family, Howza De Laz FC, friends and teammates, we would like, as the association, to convey our deepest and sincere condolences.” His funeral was expected to be conducted on 14 December from his home in 35 11th Avenue.
Meanwhile, the association-affiliated games will take a recess as of 10 December until 11 January next year. “We are taking this opportunity to wish all our affiliates, sub-committees, associate members and immediate families a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May these holidays be peaceful and safe,” Morajane said.
In the interest of the safety of the little ones in the community, Morajane urged parents not to send them to tuckshops and on other errands, more especially little girls. “There are vultures out there waiting to pounce on them. Know at all times where your child is,” he implored.
