Molemela hailed for his wise leadership

Speakers heap praises on Celtic founder

THE current generation of leaders, both in sports and government, must emulate the good example set by late Bloemfontein Celtic former boss Petrus Molemela.

That was the message from Free State premier Ace Magashule at the funeral service of Molemela in Rocklands, near Bloemfontein, yesterday.

The service was held at the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium. Some of the dignitaries who attended included Safa president Danny Jordaan, Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi, Free State sports MEC Mathabo Leeto and Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli.

Magashule said despite his success, Molemela remained a humble man who went the extra mile to assist those less fortunate than him.

“He was a truly unique man. He turned Celtic into a professional outfit but he never let that success go to his head. He remained humble until his last day on earth. We all need to take those positive lessons from this man.

“It was for that reason that as the Free State government, we saw it fit to name this stadium after him,” Magashule said.

His words were echoed by Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza, who said Molemela made a success of Celtic even during difficult times of the previous apartheid government.

“We have not only lost [but] we are also lost as a result. Lying here before us is a self-made man who defied the odds ...”

Celtic chairman Max Tshabalala said Molemela always offered him words of advice. “His are too big shoes to fill. He has left us with a wealth of knowledge and it is up to us to use it. I have lost a father,” Tshabalala said.

Molemela was buried at Phahameng cemetery.

He has left us with a wealth of knowledge, and it is up to us to use it. Max Tshabalala BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC CHAIRMAN