Flamboyant long-serving Mamelodi Sundowns public relations officer Alex Shakoane has died after a short illness, the club confirmed on Sunday.
Fondly known as “Goldfingers”, Shakoane served the Brazilians with distinction for the past 30 years.
He was the club’s spokesperson, marketing guru and Patrice Motsepe’s right-hand man when he took over the Brazilians.
The charismatic official will be mostly remembered for his gold rings and necklaces, as well as the way he sold and marketed the club.
“Alex Shakoane loved Mamelodi Sundowns immensely and was a loyal servant of football in Mamelodi, Tshwane and the whole of South Africa. He was involved in Sundowns from its formative years in the 1970s,” the club said in a statement.
Mamelodi Sundowns is deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of its long serving Communications Manager and staunch supporter, Alex Shakoane.
Alex Shakoane, loved Mamelodi Sundowns immensely and was a loyal servant of football in Mamelodi, Tshwane and the whole of… pic.twitter.com/1Zo3PPAp9t
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 7, 2023
Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe sent his condolences and said Shakoane was loved dearly by all people associated with the reigning Premier Soccer League champions.
“The Motsepe family, the board, the supporters and all members of the Mamelodi Sundowns family mourn and are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex ‘Goldfingers’ Shakoane, whom we all loved dearly,” Motsepe said.
“Bra Alex’s life was all about Mamelodi Sundowns, and we will miss his unique contributions and larger-than-life personality.”
The club said details regarding Shakoane’s memorial and funeral services will be announced in due course.
For the latest sports news from Sunday World, click here.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
