Maluleke was legend of rural football
KEEN footballer Mzamani Thomas Maluleke was among unsung heroes from rural areas to grace the sport.
Popularly known as Muguyo, Maluleke died last Friday at Malamulele Hospital after a short illness. Soccer lovers in Limpopo respected him for his exploits on the soccer field. These include Putco Mukhomu, former manager of now defunct Budeli Real Vultures, one of Muguyo’s former teams.
A shocked Mukhomu said Maluleke, 47, was like a son to him. He recalled how Maluleke led his team to many cup wins. Real Vultures, which campaigned in the Vodacom League, twice reached the last 32 of the Bob Save Cup and on both occasions they were beaten by Seven Stars in Cape Town despite Muguyo’s brave performances.
Mukhomu said in one knockout match Maluleke was on the bench as he was not feeling well. When the team were struggling to score, the players begged him to play. He came on as a late substitute and scored the winner.
Other teams he played for include Gezani Arsenal and Wilson Express. Maluleke was born on January 3 1969 at Madonsi in Malamulele, where his football career also began.
He went to Khanani Primary School and later Malamulele High School, before completing a carpentry course at Techniven (now Vhembe TVET College) in Sibasa.
He worked as a carpenter until his death.
Solani Maluleke, his nephew, said his uncle’s skills were a gift.
“Because of his exploits, Mukhomu built him a house and financed his training at Techniven,” said Solani.
Maluleke is survived by his wife and four children. He will be buried at Madonsi village tomorrow.