The death of the illustrious Stanely “Screamer” Tshabalala, who passed away at age 75 on Thursday, has shocked the entire South African football community.
The Orlando Pirates stated in a statement that Tshabalala passed away as a result of wounds he sustained during an attack at his home by unknown shooters in March.
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates families are announcing the sad and untimely passing of Stanley Tshabalala this afternoon [Thursday] in the hospital,” the Pirates said in a statement.
“Bra Stan, as he was affectionately referred to by everybody, succumbed to injuries he suffered when he was shot in March this year.
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates families will furnish the details in due course. We urge the public to await the provision of the details for the arrangements going forward.”
Tributes for the legend
Since the sad news broke on Thursday night, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in for the renowned South African football legend.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala,” Kaizer Chiefs said.
“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, the Orlando Pirates FC, and the South African football family at large. May his soul rest in peace.”
Danny Jordaan, the president of SA Football Association (Safa), said: “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 we as Safa would like to convey our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to his family, friends, and the club during this difficult time.”
Minister sends condolences
The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also sent his condolences to the family and friends of Tshabalala.
Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the great Jomo Sono also expressed their deepest condolences to the family.
Tshabalala was one of the founders of Chiefs back in 1970, before serving as a chief scout for the Soweto giants.
He earned the nickname “Screamer” because of his endless shouting in the field of play.
