Kaizer Chiefs have bid a special farewell to Luke “Pelas” Fleurs by announcing that the club will officially retire the jersey number 26 that was worn by the slain defender.
This after Fleurs was shot and killed during a car hijacking at a petrol station in Florida, west of Johannesburg. The incident happened last week Wednesday.
Close family, friends, teammates, former teammates, club officials and legends gathered to celebrate and honour the life of the 24-year-old versatile defender. This was during a memorial service, which was held at the FNB Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Special tribute with the star’s jersey number 26
Also in attendance were fellow DStv Premiership clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, where Fleurs ultimately made a name for himself.
Flanked by the entire senior team and coaching staff, grief-stricken Amakhosi sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr confirmed the honour. He said that the jersey number 26 would officially be retired and never worn by any player at the club.
“I am sure that as a young man Luke had many dreams. And it is well documented that the one massive dream that he had was to just wear the gold and black jersey at Kaizer Chiefs,” Motaung Jr said.
“So, in his honour and to ensure that he is not forgotten, our executive chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung has agreed that we will retire Luke’s jersey number 26.
“This doesn’t happen often. But as a fallen soldier, the entire institution believes that it is the right thing to do. And we want to ensure that his legacy is with us forever.
His legacy to live on in the club
“Even those that come after us will know that there is a Luke Fleurs who wore jersey number 26 for Kaizer Chiefs football club.
“To the family and friends, we just want you to know that tough times come when the room is empty. Back at home and familiar environments that you are in, we promise that we are together. And we will do everything that we can to uphold Luke’s name and legacy. To also provide you with all the support that we can.”
Special tributes from fraternity around the world
The untimely demise has since left the entire local and international football fraternity reeling in shock. That the life of a future Bafana Bafana star defender was taken away in that manner left many distraught.
Special tribute messages were also received from the world football governing body Fifa president Gianni Infantino. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe also sent his. And the Saudi Arabia Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal conveyed his own, amongst many others.
