Saluting a soccer legend: Kaizer Chief's public relations officer Putco Mafani with Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe and Dante Mashile, communications director of the Office of the Executive Mayor, and Terry Mokale, co-ordinator for Ntsoelengoe's induction into the Hall of Fame

PICK of the legends! Mogale City Local Municipality held a congratulatory banquet in honour of one of South Africa's soccer giants, Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe, for his outstanding achievements that culminated in his induction into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Ntsoelengoe will be inducted into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame at a glittering function in New York later this month.

"Ace", as he is popularly known, to his die-hard fans, friends and his family, was picked among other African soccer kings by the board of US National Soccer Hall of Fame, to take part and represent Africa in this world's historical event.

In her speech, Eunice Segatlhe, who holds the Social Development portfolio on the mayoral committee, said it was imperative that the municipality honoured people for their great achievements while they were still alive.

"We felt that Ntsoelengoe should be afforded a befitting sending-off so representatives of municipalities on the West Rand have joined us formally to congratulate the legend," she said.

Ntsoelengoe serves on the Trust Fund administered by Advocate Lentswe Mokgatle, the Executive Mayor of Mogale City, and is tasked with overseeing the development of sport in the region.

When the legend highlighted his career, during which he gave a brief history of his stay in America from 1973 to 1981, he said he plied his trade in the American League, playing for Miami Torros, Denver Dynamos and Minnesota Kicks, among others.

"I am not only going back to the USA for myself, but for South Africa and the continent at large," he said.