Local football fraternity honour Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala in touching send-off

by Sergio Miller

On Thursday dignitaries and South African legends all gathered to bid farewell to well-known football coach Stanley Tshabalala.

Those in attendance included Caf president Patrice Motsepe, Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza, South African Football Association (Safa) President Danny Jordaan, and Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie.

The 75-year-old died last Thursday after succumbing to his injuries following a house burglary that took place at his home in Soweto in May this year. At the time intruders shot the former coach and stole many valuables, leaving him hospitalised.

“Bra Stan” as he was affectionately known has made an indelible mark on football by not only providing his insights into the world of coaching and mentoring but is also one of the founding fathers of the Soweto-based team Kaizer Chiefs.

Speaking at the funeral was the respected Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo shared some of his fondest memories of his former coach.

“He selected me for the national team, and I didn’t think he was not given a fair deal as Bafana coach when we lost matches, but he was nurturing players,” said Khumalo.

Meanwhile, Minister Gayton Mckenzie shared that while he never had the opportunity to personally meet Stanley, he was well familiar with his work in South African football. He says that this was a sign of a life well lived.

Later the newly elected minister promised the family that they would continue to be supported during their time of grief.

“I want to say to you that the football fraternity will always be there for you because they have been there for Bra Stan, and Bra Stan was there for them,” he said.

Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala was later laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon.

Also see: Funeral details of Stanley Tshabalala confirmed | Bona Magazine