May 10, 2006

By Tammy O'Reilly and Clifford Mogotsi

ONE of Mogale City's most celebrated citizens, legendary soccer player Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe, has died.

"Mabhekaphansi" as he was affectionately known to his followers, was reportedly found slumped in his luxurious Volvo C70 outside a hotel in Lenasia Hotel.on Monday, 8 May. The cause of his death is not yet known.

The death of the 54-year-old soccer star has shocked fans, the soccer fraternity, and people in the community alike as he was not only seen as one of the greatest players to come out of this country, but he took a keen interest in developing sport in Mogale City.

Ntsoelengoe was a vocal supporter of efforts to have Kaiser Chiefs establish its headquarters and play its home games at the Bob van Reenen Stadium in Mogale City. An estimated R600-million has been earmarked for the upgrade of the stadium.

Ntsoelengoe began his 30-year career playing for Kaizer Chiefs. Although he had a good run with the soccer club, he later left South Africa in his prime to play in the North American Soccer League. Once in the United States, he made a name for himself as one the league's greatest players. However, he returned to South Africa in 1985 to play for and assist in coaching Kaizer Chiefs.

In October 2003 his contribution to the game was recognised when he became the first and only South African to be inducted into the United States's National Soccer Hall of Fame. It was on this occasion that Mogale City held a congratulatory banquet with the view that it is best to honour people's achievements while they are still alive.

In the same year, from 22 September to 30 September, the School Soccer Tournament called the Ace Ntsoelengoe Hall Of Fame Knock-out Challenge was held, featuring under-13 and under-17 teams from Tarlton, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg, Kagiso and Munsieville.

Ntsoelengoe served on the Mayoral Trust Fund administered by the City's former mayor, Lentswe Mokgatle, and was involved in overseeing the development of sport in the municipality. At the time of his death he was a development coach for Kaizer Chiefs' under-15 soccer team.

"South Africa has lost one of its most talented mid-fielders," said Barbara Creecy, Gauteng's MEC for sports, recreation, arts and culture, in a press statement. "His contribution to the development of South African football will be deeply missed."

Ntsoelengoe is survived by his wife, Thato, and two daughters Boipelo and Ofentse.

A memorial service will be held at the Mogale City town hall in Krugersdorp on Thursday, and his funeral service will be held at the same venue on Sunday.

Top honours for soccer legend