Present and past soccer legends were awarded certificates for dedication and involvement in local football at a ceremony hosted at the Mohlakeng Recreation Centre on Sunday 13 December.
The event was graced by other legends from the Vaal, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
We had the likes of Jerry Sadike, one of the first black players to play for a white team, Highlands Park, in the old days, also Zacharia Computer Lamola, formerly with Kaizer Chiefs”, said Randfontein Soccer Legends’ Brand Manager, Jicks Kgoleng.
Among the many recipients were the late Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe, the dreaded midfield maestro whose soccer skills were his own trademark and could never be imitated. Ace was discovered by veteran coach William Motsumi, who told the laughing audience of the naughty and fun-loving Ace who was more into fun, dancing and his love of old records than soccer.
I personally had to go and look for him wherever he was on his bicycle just to let him play football – until Kaizer Chiefs spotted him while playing for Home Stars,” said William.
William is the founder of Home Stars where the late Ace played before moving on to Kaizer Chiefs and teams such as Minnesota Kicks and Atlanta Chiefs in the USA. William – or Pres, as club owners are called in townships – also received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to soccer in Mohlakeng.
The Randfontein Soccer Legends are the awards organisers. Most of them used to play in the former National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) and National Soccer League (NSL).
They include treasurer Skapie Daniels, Thomas Satch Manyisa who is the uncle of Orlando Pirates captain, and current Bafana Bafana midfielder, Oupa Ace Manyisa.
Thomas played for Moroka Swallows, Vaal Professionals and Blue Bells – a former popular mine soccer team.
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