Alexandra United Football Club players, management, supporters, family and friends of Kgotso Mofolo converged at his memorial service held at the 10th Avenue Methodist Church in Alexandra on Wednesday 30 May to bid farewell to their fallen soldier.
A 39-year-old supporter’s coordinator from Soweto, Mzimhlophe died on the 24 May in Johannesburg hospital after a short illness. He was described by the speakers as a disciplined and organised leader who was dedicated and had a passion for his job.
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His uncle Joseph Mofolo described him as a family protector who learned from his mistakes and learned good lessons in jail. Joseph also thanked Nkani Dube, chairperson of Alex United for having faith in Kgotso and for giving him a chance in a critical position of the club, though he was a convict.
“We thank you, Mr Dube, for the faith you displayed in Kgotso. Though we were afraid as a family when he told us that he was relocating to Alexandra. We thought it was going to be the end of him because of perceptions we had about this place,” Joseph said.
An emotional Nkani Dube who could not hold back tears described Kgotso as a man who did not take no for an answer.
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“I always knew that once Kgotso said it’s done, that task will be done. One day he vowed to bring 40 000 supporters to one of our games and none of us believed him and he brought 46 000!” explained Dube.
“The fact that we have this memorial service today is confirmation that Kgotso was special to our team. In the history of Alex United we’ve never held a memorial service for an official of the club including the late Themba Mankanka Khambule, who was the co-owner of this club.”
The service ended with a performance by the club’s brass band, which was formed by Kgotso.