Ntate Taunyane, an academic was a Principal by profession from Alexandra Township, a stone throw-away from Sandton.
Details for his death were not revealed.
I met and later interacted with the late through one of his advisors/friend and businessman Joel Mafenya on numerous occasions.
“He was a true community leader and yes, the country is poorer without him,” says Mafenya, who had just returned from DRC with President Jacob Zuma’s delegation.
“He was passionate about education, first and foremost. Secondly, he was gravely concerned about the kind of systems implemented in taking education forward in the country, amongst other things,” he said.
In learning about his death, Local Organising Committee CEO for CHAN 2014, Mvuzo Mbebe said they we’re shocked on the passing on of this legend.
“Dr. Taunyane was not only a skilled and professional football administrator and educator who also was a mentor to many football administrators of note today; he also was a great South African and an outstanding Alexandra township resident.
His passing away is not only a loss to South African football but also to African football in particular. As the LOC we wish to send our condolences to his family, friends and to South African football fraternity in general,” says Mbebe.
PSL, football administrators, club owners and players’ also send their message of condolences.
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (Safa) has joined fans in mourning the death of former Moroka Swallows forward Andries “Six Mabone” Maseko.
“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, fans and former teammates of Maseko,” Safa president Danny Jordaan said.
“Soccer in general has been robbed of a talented star whose exploits entertained millions of soccer fans at the stadiums and at home. His legacy will live on for a long time.”
Maseko, passed on Saturday at Chris Hani Hospital in Soweto at the age of 58.
During his playing days, he appeared in the colours of Swallows for 11 years (1972 – 1983). He also played abroad for Washington Diplomats, San Jose Earthquakes and Phoenix Infernos in the US.
He would be best remembered for his exploits in 1976 in the then National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) when he scored a record eight goals in a single match, helping the Dube Birds to a 13-0 victory over Umlazi Citizens in KwaThema, Springs.
He was married to Gladys Maseko and had three children.
He will be laid to rest in Soweto.
Robala Ka Kgotso!
