May 18, 2006

By Clifford Mogotsi

WORDS like maestro, wizardry, genius, star, humble, friendly and great man were among the expressions used to describe Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe at the late soccer star's funeral at the Mogale City Centenary Hall.

The boisterous sounds of the vuvuzela passionately blasted by supporters and cheers of "Ace!" reverberated through the hall, leaving no doubt that the soccer king was sorely missed. Political and soccer giants came in their numbers to bid farewell to "Mabhekaphansi", as he was known to his fans, reading like a who's who of the sporting world.

Speaker after speaker praised Ntsoelengoe as a true hero who was in the thick of the game, like great players such as a Pele and Michel Platini, who was named European Footballer of the Year three times.

Kaizer Chiefs' chairman and managing director, Kaizer Motaung, said Ntsoelengoe was like a brother to him. "As a footballer I marvel at the indelible contribution he has made throughout his playing days until his retirement. As a friend and brother, Ace shall forever remain a part of the Kaizer Chiefs family.

In a moving tribute his wife, Thato, said: "I love you even though things were not always perfect for us … No-one is perfect, therefore no relationship is perfect. All that matters to me is that we had a good, lasting and strong relationship."

After the service, Ntsoelengoe's coffin was carried on a fire engine to his final resting place in Munsieville/Sterkfontein cemetery.

Ntsoelengoe was hailed as a soccer guru who dazzled supporters and was remembered for the sheer class that he brought to the game as well as for his blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy on the pass. The burial service was colourfully decorated with the gold and black colours of Chiefs, and Ntsoelengoe was surely given a burial fit for a king.

Speaking at the service, Mogale City Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane valued Ntsoelengoe as a person who made others shine. "Part of the magic of Ace Ntsoelengoe was [his ability] to make others shine. Some may even go further, saying that he made it his job to create stars in a very unselfish manner."

He also spoke of Ntsoelengoe's contribution to building a winning nation, a peaceful continent and a just world order. "Such was the mastery of Pule Ace Ntsoelengoe."

Ntsoelengoe's soccer career was confined to South Africa and North America. He acquired his nickname, Ace, from his father, Daniel, who was also one of South Africa's top players.

Bantu Holomisa, Screamer Tshabalala, Lucas Radebe, Shakes Mashaba, Trott Moloto, Steven Kgompela, Seerane, West Rand District Municipality Mayor Faith Matshikiza, and Randfontein Mayor Zeph Mhlongo were among the dignitaries who attended the funeral.

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