RAYMOND Mhlaba Indoor Sports Centre was filled to capacity when hundreds of mourners from across the Eastern Cape paid their last respects to the PE Stars FC skipper, Thulani “Table” Motloung, during his funeral service on Saturday.
Motloung was shot dead at Motherwell NU 10 early on November 18, only a week after his birthday on November 11.
The cause of the shooting was still unknown at the time of going to print.
Many teams came in their colours and also paid homage to the fallen defender.
Some of the attendees were SAFA NMB’s Yebho Ntoni, PE Stars FC owner Gordon du Preez and CEO Graeme Sauls, former Bafana midfielders Patrick Mayo and Elrio van Heerden, former Banyana defender Lucy Daniels, former Michau Warriors midfielder Monier Saferdien, Bay United captain Duran Francis and midfielder Xolile Galada, former Kaizer Chiefs wing Siyabulela Songwiqi and Lion City owner, Dr Ngubo Biyana with his coaches, Gcobani Citwa, Lindisizwe Ndwayana and Thembinkosi Lindani.
His friend, Thabiso Minana, said that Motloung was a humble and a down-to-earth person who was respectful.
Graaff-Reinet Football Association chairperson, Mzimkhulu Galada, Citwa and Lindani all described Motloung as a hard worker and a most reliable player who had a bright future.
Sauls told of times when Motloung was a young player with a big heart.
“It is indeed a very sad loss to PE Stars FC to lose a player of Thulani’s calibre.
“Thulani was PE Stars’ skipper who set a good example.
“Dedication, determination and discipline describe Thulani in the club.
“Thulani is irreplaceable, but we hope that God will provide us with the best player who will deliver like Thulani. The club will play at Motherwell NU 2 Stadium on January 12, 2019 to honour Thulani.”
Motloung is survived by his grandmother, aunt, younger brother, nephew and son, Akohlulwa Pifi. He was laid to rest at Motherwell Cemetery. – SELBY MADIKANE
