Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza reacted to the passing of African National Congress (ANC) veteran Essop Pahad on Thursday, stating the PSL was saddened but grateful for his contribution in winning the bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South African.
“We extend our condolences to the Pahad family for sharing him with the country and the rest of the continent,” Khoza said in a statement.
“We celebrate his contribution to the African memory bank in his many roles as a government minister in the highest office, activist, change agent, liberation Struggle hero, the diplomat and internationalist.
“Thank you for throwing everything into winning the bid and successfully hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Africa for the first time in 100 years. May your soul repose peacefully.
Pahad died on Thursday at the age of 84 after battling with stage 4 cancer recently and succumbed to the illness.
The renowned political figure served as a minister in the presidency for close to a decade and was a close confidant of former president Thabo Mbeki as his parliamentary counsellor and spin doctor.
Pahad will be laid to rest on Thursday afternoon under the Muslim rites at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.
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