By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Orlando Pirates Footbal Club have confirmed the sad passing of club’s Technical Director (TD), Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
He was 75.
Tshabalala, who was shot during a burglary at his home in March this year, died in hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the incident, Pirates said in a statement on their club website.
The Club Statement read as follows:
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates Family is announcing the sad and untimely passing of Stanley Tshabalala this afternoon in hospital. Bra Stan, as he was affectionately referred to by everybody, succumbed to the injuries he suffered when he was shot in March this year.
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates Family will furnish the details in due course. The public is advised to await the provision of the details for the arrangements going forward.”
Tshabalala was a founding member of Kaizer Chiefs, who also coached Mamelodi Sundowns.He went on to occupy various prominent positions within Pirates since 2008.
Tshabalala created the famous “piano and shoe-shine” style in his days as a coach with Sundowns. The team became well-known for it in South African football circles.
He was also the first Bafana Bafana head coach when South Africa was readmitted into international football in 1992.
Born in Orlando East in 1949, the first sport to attract Tshabalala was boxing. He was a student of the famous Transvaal boxing champ, Jerry Moloi.
The former Bafana Bafana coach started boxing lessons while he was still at school.
“I wasn’t a great boxer. Sometimes I got a good hiding from my colleagues,” he relates in his biography.
“At home, my parents complained about this ‘panel beating’ [bruises]. I did not last long, and I decided to give up the sport.”
Tributes pour and and messages of condolences:
The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Screamer.
“As the person who introduced the shoe-shine-and-piano brand of football, Screamer’s legacy, life and memory will be celebrated beyond the football fraternity. The enormous contribution made by the much loved and jovial Screamer Tshabalala in sport, will forever be celebrated.
“We pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthens the Tshabalala family, his friends and colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Lala ngoxolo Mshengu.”
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said, Tshabalala made a huge contribution for the country and club level.
“I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Stanley Tshabalala and we are praying for them to be comforted. May God grant the family healing during this difficult time.
“This news is such a shock and Safa would like to convey our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to his family, friends and the club,” said Jordaan.
Sport minister Gayton McKenzie also extended condolences.
“We remember Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala on this sad day and pay tribute to his legacy and contribution that fostered many football talents and teams over several decades.”
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club issued a statement to pay their respects to their former player.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala. A former Kaizer XI and Kaizer Chiefs player, he was also the club’s technical director between 1996 and 2001.
“We convey our condolences to the Tshabalala family and Orlando Pirates and the South African football family at large. May his soul rest in peace,” said a statement from Chiefs.
Dr Jomo Sono and the Cosmos family, players, supporters of Jomo Cosmos and the entire Ezenkosi family express their deepest condolences to the Tshabalala family, friends and colleagues as we mourn the loss of former Bafana Bafana coach Stanley ‘Bra Stan’ Tshabalala, “said Sono.