Date: 16/09/2003
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Ramatlhodi: Manyathela funeral service


SPEAKERS NOTES FOR ADVOCATE NGOAKO RAMATLHODI, THE PREMIER OF LIMPOPO, DURING THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF LESLEY PHUTHI MANYATHELA, 16 August 2003

The programme director, members of Manyathela family, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, the leadership of SAFA, PSL and Orlando Pirates present here, colleagues in government, ladies and gentlemen

Our gathering here today is forcing us to come to terms with a usual but difficult experience to live with.

From all corners of the country we have come to this northern part of South Africa to say a fond farewell to another human being, a son, a brother, a father and a role model.

The day has come to pass when Lesley Manyathela was amongst us in flesh and spirit, when he walked and worked with us, when he showed us the quality and skill that made him our shining star on the soccer field.

Limpopo and her people are all weaker and poorer without their son, Phuthi. We had grown accustomed to his presence, we had thought he would be us for many years to come --- and yet the death has deprived us of his invaluable services.

As the fate would have it, today Phuthi's mortal remains depart from our midst at the time the whole community of sport in South Africa and elsewhere in the world was looking forward to his invaluable services.

Indeed, his untimely departure has left a void too difficult to fill; it has robbed South Africa of yet another patriot to look up to for courage and inspiration.

South Africa, alive is your son no more, speechless and lifeless, his race accomplished.

Nevertheless, the life well lived is worth celebrating.

Lesley you distinguished yourself as a football star and role model of your generation from an early age. The contribution you made whilst still playing for Chelamoya and Dynamos Football clubs in Limpopo could not go unnoticed.

The goals that you scored and subsequent victories brought about for our national team, Bafana Bafana, will remain forever etched in our living memories.

We take pride at the goals you scored and the role you play in order for us to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations tournament. In your honour and memory we commit our selves to work very hard to win 2010 FIFA Word Cup Bid.

Phuthi, in each new stadium that we build, new football competition that we hold, new football club that Limpopo promotes to the first division, new football talent that we unearth for this country, you will continue to inspire us in our forward march to a better sport and recreation in South Africa.

Programme director

We are very grateful of Manyathela family for having given birth to this icon, and availing for the national duty with open hearts until his last day.

We shall not take away the pain from you, but we say accept our most heartfelt condolences.

Your tears and loss is our grief.

A' moya wa gago o robale ka Khutsbo morwa' Manyathela

Issued by the Limpopo Provincial Government