A soccer legend
ALEXANDRA - This is a second of a two part series tribute to the late soccer administrator and education icon Dr Leepile Taunyane.
Oupa Tsiane, a former football administrator, writes:
In 1985, when football was transformed and the National Professional Soccer League wanted independence from the sticky dictatorial tendencies of the South African National Football Association led by George Thabe, I was delegated as the deputy secretary of the Alexandra Football Association together with committee members Oupa Ngatane and Frans Ngoepe.
When the professional league broke away from Thabe’s association and formed the National Soccer League which is today known as the Premier Soccer League, the late Dr Leepile Taunyane was at the forefront as he was the president of the Transvaal Football Association.
During that period, a lot of district and provincial associations fell apart and true to form, Alexandra, known for its united stance in matters political, social or football, stood together. Our allegiance was not divided. We knew in Taunyane, who was the life president then, we had a man who had foresight.
Media shy but very decisive, his humility was unprecedented. He saw in some of us not only former students, but also professionals who were worth their salt in what we were doing. In his lifetime, Alex football honoured Taunyane by naming various competitions after him.
Taunyane was a symbol of humility and gentleness. He was a member of the Save Alexandra Party and in his last days was living in the heart of what is sometimes known as Gomora. He lived with his people, cared for them and never deserted them. He was the first president of the National African Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa which he served with distinction.
When I resigned from Alex football and he heard about it, he was not kind with me. “Wena monna o bolaile football ko Alexandra,” he said bluntly. Loosely translated, he was saying when my contribution was so much valued, I decided to jump ship.
I will always remember him as a mentor and confidante. When my dad passed on in 2006, he visited my family, shook my hand and said, “You are now a man. You must look after the family.”
May his soul rest in peace.
