Swallows great Shadow passes away
FORMER Moroka Swallows’ trusty defender Ernest “Shadow” Phoshoko will be buried tomorrow. He passed away this week.
Phoshoko, who would have turned 60 on August 15, died suddenly at his home in Meadowlands, Soweto, on Monday.
The SA Football, Masters and Legends Association paid tribute to Phoshoko this week for his invaluable contribution to the development and growth of soccer in our country.
The association’s national communications director, Irvin “Pepe” Dire, said on Monday: “It is a pity that Phoshoko could not achieve his full potential [as a player].
“He joined Swallows at the time of the infamous split, which left the club divided into two groups – Swallows Ltd and Swallows Babes. I have no doubt that Shadow was a national squad material and would easily have made his way into any national team during his heyday.”
Before turning professional, Phoshoko played for Meadow lands-based amateur side Blue Perils FC, who were owned by his uncle in the 1970s.
Off the pitch, Phoshoko was among those popular guys in Soweto in the 1980s, a popular socialite and swanky dresser.
But he had time to train budding youngsters in the township and schools. He also helped out during Sunday League games.
Phoshoko will be buried at Croesus Cemetery near Bosmont.
The service will be held at No. 230 Mosetlhe Street in Meadowlands from 9.30am. The procession will then leave for the cemetery at 11.30am.