MARITZBURG UNITED PAY TRIBUTE TO KZN FOOTBALL LEGEND BONGINKOSI HLOPHE
11 August 2021
It was with great sadness that Maritzburg United heard of the passing of Mr Bonginkosi Hlophe, who did so much for football in the KwaZulu-Natal region and the Midlands in particular.
Hlophe was the owner of Maritzburg City Football Club and also had various roles within the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Prominent from the 1990's onwards, Hlophe is credited with the development of several players who went on to become some of the country's most famous talents, including Jimmy Tau, Mbulelo Mabizela, Siphesihle Ngobese, Mlungisi Gumbi, Andile Cele and Papi Zothwane.
Hlophe also served as a 2010 FIFA World Cup Provincial Coordinator and a venue manager at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was his passion for youth development and his tireless work at grassroots level which saw him positively affect so many lives and for which he will be remembered for.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Bonginkosi Hlophe - South African football and especially soccer in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has lost a real giant of the game," said Maritzburg United Chairman Farook Kadodia.
"His contribution to the beautiful game in the Umgungundlovu region and surrounding areas was immense and he will be remembered fondly for the groundbreaking work he did.
"Bongi's passion for development was second to none and there has been a long line of players whom he has helped develop and took right up to the PSL ranks and in some instances all the way to the international stage," Kadodia continued.
"From all of us at Maritzburg United, and from KZN football as a whole, thank you Bonginkosi Hlophe for the tremendous work you did and may you rest in peace."
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