Orlando Pirates have announced the sad passing of renowned senior official and South African football legend Stanely “Screamer” Tshabalala on Thursday evening.
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates Family is announcing the sad and untimely passing of Stanley Tshabalala this afternoon in hospital,” Pirates said in a statement.
Succumbed to injuries from March shooting incident
“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. [We urge] the public to await the provision of the details for the arrangements going forward.”
As head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in the 1980s, Tshabalala created the famous “piano and shoe-shine” style. The team became well-known for it in South African football circles.
Tshabalala, one of the founders of Kaizer Chiefs, was once a chief scout for Amakhosi. He earned the nickname “Screamer” because of his incessant shouting for the ball.
Boxing was his first love
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.”
He then decided to devote his whole life and spirit to soccer and was already a regular in the street teams.
“In 1968, I was recruited into the local team, Orlando Preston Brothers.” This is another quote from his biography.
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
I’m saddened to hear about Bra Stan’s passing, may his soul rest in eternal peace.
May he rest in peace
It’s sad to hear of Bra Stan’s passing on. It is indeed a great loss. Rest In Peace Legend.