By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Former Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos captain Papi Khomane and his mother die in a car accident on their way to a funeral in KwaZulu-Natal.
Khomane, 48, represented Pirates over 150 times after joining the club from Jomo Cosmos in 1998.
The son of Bucs legend Yster Khomane was on the books of the club between 1998 and 2007, and also represented Bafana Bafana.
However, on Saturday he sadly passed away in a car accident, alongside his mother Rita Khomane, as confirmed by the club.
“The Club was informed by his father and another Bucs legend, Yster Khomane who confirmed that both his son and his wife Mrs Rita Khomane were involved in a motor vehicle accident today,” the statement said.
“Papi was a man of few words, but his presence on the pitch spoke volumes. His transformation from a quiet individual into a formidable leader during games was nothing short of inspirational.
“During his nine years with us, Papi made over 150 appearances, each time exemplifying what it means to be a Buccaneer. His leadership, both in demeanour and play, was a guiding force for the team.
“His journey with the Club was not just about his contributions on the field; it was about continuing a legacy.
“Papi and his father Yster, who played for the Buccaneers in the late 70s, were one of the rare father-son duos in the club’s history.”
During his time at the club, the tough as a teak defender won two league titles between the 2000/01 and 2002/03 seasons and the BP Top Eight also in 2001. He replaced Mbulelo Mabizela as the skipper of the club, who joined Tottenham Hotspurs at the beginning of the 2003/04 season.
Khomane was part of Bafana Bafana side that claimed the bronze medal in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2000, where Trot Moloto’s boys beat Tunisia 6-5 on penalties after the game had finished 2-2 during the extra time.
Meanwhile Pirates were unable to rack up a third successive DStv Premiership win after they were held 0-0 by Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.