The South African football fraternity is in mourning following the sad news of the untimely passing of former Orlando Pirates and Pretoria Callies midfielder Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe on Tuesday night.
The announcement coincided with the nation’s celebration of Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 triumph over South Sudan, securing their spot in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco by finishing undefeated at the top of Group K.
Moripe reportedly passed away on Tuesday night at his home in Atteridgeville after a prolonged illness. He had been wheelchair-bound for several years following a stroke.
Affectionally known as the “God of football” or “Modimo wa Bolo”, he started his professional career playing for Pretoria Callies in 1971 playing the position of a midfielder.
His impressive showings were rewarded with a Player of the Year award in 1973, he was also part of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) Invitation XI that took on the British All-Stars XI.
In 1981 he joined the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates but a persistent knee injury derailed his career until he had to hang up his boots.
On 16 May 2010, it was announced that the 30,000 seater, then-known as Atteridgeville Super Stadium would be renamed Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honour of the football legend who hails from the area.
The stadium has been used by SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns to play their home games for PSL and CAF competitions.
One of the most memorable games that have been played in that now iconic stadium was the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Zamalek in 2016. The Brazilians went on to lift their first-ever continental trophy after winning 3-1 on aggregate.