Tributes are pouring following the death of veteran football administrator and Mandela Park Football Association lifetime president, Chris “Mboza” Zingelwa, who passed away at his Langa home on Tuesday morning after a long illness.
Zingelwa was 76 years old but did not allow age and sickness to deter his enthusiasm.
Mxolisi Sithole, a long-time friend and coach, hailed Zingelwa as a devoted community builder who used sport to make an impact.
“His quest for development is unmatched and his death has robbed us of a good man,” said Sithole when contacted by Vukani on Wednesday.
Myolisi Gophe, who served with Zingelwa on the Mandela Park soccer body’s executive, said “Mboza” was a legend.
“His contribution to the development of sport was astonishing. I am happy that I witnessed a ceremony where he was celebrated whilst he was alive. His beloved football club Manchristers FC hosted a thank you ceremony in 2022 before illness consumed him,” said Gophe.
Born in Langa, Zingelwa grew up in Gugulethu before moving to Khayelitsha.
He had always involved himself in football wherever he lived and was one of the people instrumental in the building of the Mandela Park Stadium in the early 1990s.
He will remembered for his fondness of coaching young ones in sport and encouraging them to focus in education.
He had two dying wishes, one that Khayelitsha may have a team playing in the Premier Soccer League in his lifetime but with that gone his family will have to abide with the other one – that his funeral be held at the stadium.
Power Solontsi, another team owner who worked with Zingelwa, confirmed that his wish will be honoured and his funeral will be held at the Mandela Park Stadium on Sunday January 28.
