Early on today(Wednesday) South African football lovers learned and shocked by death of man nicknamed “Master pieces” Lucas Moripe.
Lucas Moripe during his time as a player, he represented teams such as Orlando Pirates and Pretoria Callies.
Moripe passed away at his home in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, on Tuesday night. He was elderly, on a wheelchair and reportedly in ill health during his final days.
Jacob Mathathe who serve as South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) member, confirmed Moripe’s death at Sunday World.
He said “The iconic and legendary Mecro ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe has gone home to be with the Lord. We pass our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives.”
“Masterpieces” made a name for himself as a hugely talented midfielder and gained the nickname Modimo wa Bolo (God of football).
Moripe started his playing career in 1971 with Pretoria Callies, helping the team to memorable wins against Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Pimville United Brothers.
He won the National Professional Soccer League’s (NPSL) prestigious Player of the Year award in 1973, the same year he featured in NPSL’s Invitational XI vs the British All Stars XI.
Following his exceptional performance, he won the Sportsman of the Year title in 1973 and he went on to join Caroline Hills in Hong Kong.
In 1981, he came back home and signed up with Orlando Pirates and that time he had persistent knee injury that limited his playing time.
For his contribution into South African Football Lucas Moripe was honored by the minister of Sports in 2010, as one of South African stadium was renamed by his name in Atteridgeville.
The Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seaters and it is home ground for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United.
The soccer legend was not honored by stadium only, even Government honored him by naming street after him in Atteridgeville.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
