Sikhakhane was never the same…

This week’s column will have to take a different direction as I’m dedicating it to a dear friend and colleague who sadly passed away on the weekend, coach Roger Sikhakhane. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, the whole Royal Eagles family and the football fraternity at large. What a gentleman he was! It is a huge loss and it has really hit me hard because Roger was a personal friend of mine. We’ve lost a soldier, a giant, a mentor, a coach, a servant and student of the beautiful game. The last time I spoke to Roger was about a month ago, although we were in constant contact. He’s someone who’d keep in touch and exchange ideas on our job and even on a personal level. Whenever I was going to Kwa-Zulu Natal, Roger would always host me and he always wanted to know whenever I was visiting that part of the country, whether it was a game we were playing or on my personal level. We even did the Level One SAFA coaching course together and I think that’s where our friendship took off. I always emphasise the need for us, as coaches, to watch each other’s back. We have to work together, share ideas and feel comfortable around each other and Roger was one of the coaches who subscribed to this philosophy. When he was still at Thanda Royal Zulu, while I was still at Kaizer Chiefs, whenever there was a player I suggested to give a trial, Roger wouldn’t hesitate. That’s why Khotso Malope, Zitha Macheke and other Chiefs development players found themselves at Thanda when we wanted them to get game-time elsewhere. Bobby Motaung can attest to this because he was always involved in our discussions. Even when we went to play in Durban, Bobby, myself and Roger would spend time together and he was always the first coach we thought of whenever we needed to loan players out. Whenever such discussions happened between the technical team and the management, Bobby would immediately suggest I call Roger and ask him to help have a look at the player/s in question, which helped both his team in terms of depth and our team in terms of game-time. A very humble gentleman who always called to check up on me, especially if there was anything happening. Even when I was leaving Chiefs, he called to say, “My brother, are you ok? Are you sure this is the right decision for you? If that’s the case, my brother you must know I always have your back. It is time for you to explore and if you need anything, I’m here.” That’s the brotherly relationship I had with the man and we talked about everything on and off the field. Like I said, whenever I visited Durban, he was one person I wouldn’t leave without seeing. I was shocked when I woke up to the sad news of his passing on Sunday morning. It is still unbelievable to this day because Roger was one of the coaches I believed had a bright future. He’s proved his quality beyond any doubt wherever he went. I will never forget how heartbroken he was when Thanda’s Absa Premiership status was being sold. He called and was distraught because they had worked so hard to get the team promoted to the elite league and, just as they were thinking of making a mark, the transaction was to take place. Look, it was normal for anyone to feel like that and it broke my heart to hear him like that. We were on the phone for more than two hours as he wasn’t sure what the future had in store for him, just when he thought he was going to be coaching in the Premiership again. Remember, this was after he had parted ways with Chippa United. I tried to encourage him and make him understand that some of these things are just beyond our control and that we just have to accept them and move on. I told him the most important thing is that he delivered on his job and we all saw what he achieved – that’s enough solace. That was the first time I ever heard Roger so disappointed. The man was shattered and I could only imagine what the players were going through, if that’s how badly the situation had affected their coach. Roger was never the same person after that incident, which goes to show how much it affected him. I was super proud of him for that achievement and he was not a boastful person at all. He was always open to advice and suggestions, just like he would always make time to give advice and offer suggestions whenever he felt the need. If he missed your call, you are guaranteed to hear from Roger as soon as he sees it. You didn’t have to call him twice and that’s the kind of a person he was, so respectful. Roger never neglected his people as he always looked to give back to his community. He would organise coaching clinics and invite us to give a hand in helping people from the rural areas of KZN. That’s why I said his passing is a great loss because it doesn’t only affect his family and loved ones but the whole country. He was such a caring and loving individual who was so passionate about helping others. He always brought a smile to a lot of people’s faces. Let me thank the Sikhakhane family for sharing one of their own with us. He was a blessing and taught us a lot both professionally and personally. Those who were close enough to this gentle giant can attest to how great and humble he was. Once again, thanks so much Sikhakhane family, for giving us this soldie,r and may his beautiful soul rest in peace.

Hamba kahle Qhawe! Mboma ka Mqhele, Mathula, Nzimase, Swaba esinembobo, Mboma, wena wase Nkandla!

Good night Doctor Khumalo