1960s soccer sensation Thomas Human dies
Port Elizabeth soccer legend Thomas Human died on Wednesday after a short illness, aged 81.
Human was one of the first group of sports legends honoured in 2015 by the PE Sports Legends Trust at its inaugural event.
A member of the Eastern Province 1968 Kajee Cup-winning side known as the Dream Team he was a product of Fairview and played for Stardrift.
Human was offered the opportunity to play for English club Chelsea during his prime, but was prevented from joining by apartheid regulations and his application was denied.
It was a decision, he said, which left him heartbroken.
Generally regarded as the best player of his era, Human represented Eastern Province for 20 years and attained his national colours in 1958.
The PE Sports Legends Trust’s Richard Draai said: “We are saddened by the death of this wonderful, humble sportsman who played such an integral part in putting PE on the soccer map.
“His performances for EP are the stuff of legend.
“Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity of seeing him play, but his teammates and opponents made it clear that he was a special footballer.
“We offer our condolences to the Human family, the Stardrift Football Club and the football community at large.”