Issued by the Office of the President
17 August 2001
President Thabo Mbeki today (Friday, August 17) expressed his deep distress over the untimely death of Sizwe Motaung. He described him as one of the key soccer pioneers of the new, democratic South Africa.
"Sizwe earned his place in the hearts of the nation through his famous forays down the right flank for Bafana Bafana. We shall always remember how, in 1996, partly due to Sizwe's efforts, our country won the African Cup of Nations," said the President, noting that this was the first major South African victory since the country had re-entered international soccer. It was not only his soccer skills, but his quiet and disciplined, on-the-pitch, leadership role as vice-captain which left an indelible mark on South Africa's rich soccer tradition.
The President said: "I personally saw Sizwe in action on many occasions, and was most impressed by the consistent excellence he showed. His death has robbed the nation of a great sporting hero, and also of a young man of immense talent and worth who was respected and loved by millions of South Africans."
We send our condolences to his family and his loved ones.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133 or 012 337 5227