‘Bra Stan’ laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery

Stanley 'Screamer' Tshabalala was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon.

His burial ceremony followed almost five hours funeral service that was held at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto that was attended by South African football lovers from all walks of life.

'Bra Stan', as he was affectionately known, was buried next to his son Tokollo 'Magesh' Tshabalala who died in 2022.

Dignitaries who attended the service included Caf president Patrice Motsepe, Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza, South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan and minister of sport Gayton McKenzie.

Also in attendance were current and former footballers including Teboho Moloi, Mandla Sithole, Edward Motale, Doctor Khumalo, Mike Ntombela and officials Bobby Motaung and Trott Moloto. 

“We grew up together and played for the same team, Orlando Preston Brothers, which was one of the best teams. We played together until we were identified by bigger teams. He was one of the people to start Kaizer Chiefs,” said former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba. 

Khumalo remembered Tshabalala as his mentor who gave him a chance in the national team. 

“He selected me to the national team and I didn’t think. He was not given a fair deal as Bafana coach when we lost matches but he was nurturing players,” said Khumalo. 

The legendary Tshabalala, who was a respected coach, scout, administrator and worked at Pirates until his death, had been recovering after he was attacked and shot by burglars at his home in March. 

Tshabalala died on Thursday at the age of 75 and was given a special provincial funeral.