EP rugby community mourns irreplaceable supporter ‘Ezee Fana’ Dlula
Eastern Province Rugby has lost its most passionate supporter with the death of the popular Wankie “Ezee Fana” Dlula at the age of 66.
Regular EP Elephants and former Southern Kings and EP Kings supporters were entertained by Ezee sprinting up and down the stands at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to galvanise support for his beloved team.
He used to arrive at games in full Kings strip and scrum cap, his boots hung menacingly around his neck, with his name “EZEE FANA” emblazoned on his shirt.
He was a sight to behold, but unfortunately one that will now only live on in memories.
The rugby fraternity went into mourning late on Monday as news of his death spread on social media.
Zolani Mati, 30, described his father as a loving person who was passionate about sport, but also encouraged children to go to school and attend church.
“My dad collapsed in his friend’s car on Monday.
“They were on their way to the Spar in Sydenham Road to get something to eat.
“When paramedics got to the scene, they declared him dead,” Mati said.
“Ezee was a loving father, not only among his own children.
“He was a father to every child that was under his guidance.
“He was someone who was down to earth.
“He always preached hard work and dedication.”
Ezee was the son of former music and boxing promoter Ambrose “Big Brother” Dlula, who was chosen to represent SA at rugby in the 1950s.
Spring Rose and Kwazakhele Rugby Union (Kwaru) star Lucky Mange said he had lost a good friend.
“I knew Ezee through his father and we became friends after a few visits to his home.
“It was easy for him to coach young kids.
“It is not easy to coach the youth but he was a master in that,” Mange said.
Former EP Rugby chief executive Anele Pamba said it was a sad moment for the rugby community in SA as a whole because Ezee was not only known by the people of the Eastern Cape.
“He was always on television and he travelled with the Kings.
“You know, one time we were in Durban and I could hear someone whistling and I just knew that it was him,” Pamba said.
“He played a massive role when it came to kids and school rugby.
“He gave opportunities to boys that did not go to the socalled Model C schools.
“He gave them an opportunity through rugby to go and be in those schools.
“He had passion for the sport and he brought everyone together through rugby.
“He was well-known and popular across all races in SA.
“We have lost a legend in many ways.”
During his playing days, Ezee played No 8 for EP Schools and Spring Rose.
He also had a sports development academy known as the “Ezee Fana Dragons” in Kwazakhele.
Nelson Mandela Bay Sports Federation chair and former EPRU vice-president Freddie Makoki also paid tribute.
“As EP and the whole of the Eastern Cape province, we are saddened by Ezee’s death.
“We will never find anybody like him again,” Makoki said.
Ex-Blitzboks captain and Springboks backline coach Mzwandile Stick said: “We will surely miss his vibe and energy through the dusty streets of Kwazakhele, Zwide and New Brighton to all the rugby stadiums around our beautiful city.
“Rest in peace, Ezee Fana, and thank you for everything, sir.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.