Cops probe ‘Screamer’ shooting

Police were yesterday still searching for three armed men who shot Orlando Pirates technical director and former Bafana Bafana coach Stan “Screamer” Tshabalala at his home on the outskirts of Centurion on Wednesday.

Tshabalala, 75, is recovering from his ordeal in hospital where he is in a “serious yet stable condition”.

The shock incident which took place just after midday, was confirmed yesterday morning by police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo.

“It is reported that three suspects – who were armed with a firearm and a sharp object – stormed Tshabalala’s house and held him and his family at gunpoint.

“The soccer personality was shot by the suspects and later taken to the nearest medical care centre in a serious but stable condition.

“The suspects then took laptops and cellphones from the house. Police have opened a case of house robbery and attempted murder for investigation,” Masondo said.

According to a Power 98.7 radio host and media personality Mmasekepe Matsebane, Tshabalala was at home with his daughter and two employees when the burglars entered the house.

They tied up his daughter and an employee while the other was on a break. When he returned, he was also tied up and his cellphone was taken.

“A fight ensued between one of the burglars and Screamer in the bedroom, and that is where the gunshots went off. The robbers made off with six cellphones, three laptops and just over R6 600 [in cash] that was in the house,” said Matsebane.

“Bra Stan”, as he is affectionately known, is a prominent figure in South African football. He was the first coach to lead Bafana Bafana in an official match when South Africa was readmitted to international soccer in 1992.

According to the Kaizer Chiefs website, the former soccer star was also a founder member of Kaizer Chiefs where he was nicknamed “Screamer” because of his nonstop shouting for the ball.

When he went to Mamelodi Sundowns as head coach, he earned a reputation as the “Piano” and “Shoe-shine” man, creating a style with Sundowns where the team could defend and attack in a rhythm as a unit.

A fight ensued between one of the burglars and Screamer.