Mamelodi came to a standstill as fans and football stars of Mamelodi Sundowns club attended the funeral of a fallen hero.
Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane was buried on Tuesday in Garsfontein.
The longest-servicing club member pioneered the role of uniting fans at stadiums on match days.
His funeral held at the International Assemblies of God started at 08:00.
Shakoane’s funeral was also attended by residents, Mamelodi Sundowns management, players, soccer legends, supporters, local soccer clubs, Mamelodi stakeholders and CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
MAMELODI SUPPORTERS SING TO BID FARWELL
Though it was a sad day, Mamelodi supporters sang their hearts out as they bade farewell to an icon.
Shakoane joined Sundowns football club in the early 1970s.
He died at the age of 74 on May 7, after failing to recover from a stroke he suffered last year.
Tlhopie Motsepe, Mamelodi Sundowns chairman described Alex as an effervescent and iconic figure of the club.
“The Motsepe family, the board, the supporters and all the members of the Mamelodi Sundowns family mourn this loss,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane, whom we all loved dearly.
“His life was all about Mamelodi Sundowns and we will miss his unique contributions and larger-than-life personality.”
Alex’s media colleagues hailed him as one of the greatest men in the history of South African football.
FROM POLICE OFFICER TO FOOTBALL LEGEND
Shakoane was a former police officer.
He joined Mamelodi Sundowns football club in the early 1970s under the leadership of Dr Motsiri Itsweng and the late Dr Bonny Sebotsane.
Remaining a loyal servant of the club throughout the years, he served in many roles culminating in the communications manager role, which he occupied at the time of his passing.
His life was all about Mamelodi Sundowns and he will missed for his unique contributions and larger than life personality, which saw him winning every trophy on offer during his time with Masandawana.
He leaves behind his sister Mashading Nyatlo, children, grandchildren, nephews and a niece.
On the evening of the burial, Mamelodi Sundowns were officially crowned DStv Premiership champions for the 2022/23 season.
This is the club’s sixth league title win in a row.
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