As tributes continued to pour in for Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs, his former coach Kaitano Tembo remembered a talented defender who was in the mould of Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe.
The 24-year-old centreback died on Wednesday after he was shot during what appeared to be a botched hijacking in Johannesburg, sending the football fraternity into mourning.
Tembo, who signed Fleurs together with midfielder Jesse Donn at SuperSport United from Ubuntu FC in 2018, said the country has lost one of the best defenders to emerge over the past few years.
“I had just finished watching the game between Manchester City and Aston Villa on Wednesday night when I saw on social media and my initial reaction was that it must be some sort of a mistake,” said Tembo, who gave Fleurs his early opportunities at SuperSport.
“I bought him to SuperSport United from Ubuntu FC with midfielder Jesse Donn. He came to the club as a youngster of about 18. He was one talented kid who could have been one of the best defenders in the country, he was in the mould of Lucas Radebe.”
He stagnated at SuperSport and joined Chiefs in October, Tembo said, and he had hopes that he could revive his career with Amakhosi where he was yet to make an official appearance.
“It is just unfortunate that for the past two seasons his career didn’t take the direction that is should have and that probably led to a lot of frustration. When he moved to Chiefs, I thought that was the right platform for him to showcase his talent.
“The last time I spoke to him was when I was at Richards Bay and we played against Chiefs in December. I asked him when he would start playing again and he said very soon.
“He looked in good shape and I had no doubt that he was going to return to his best.
“As a young man, he was someone who really needed guidance and it is unfortunate that something like this happened.
“He was one of the most talented defenders, someone who could read the game, strong on the tackle, strong in the air and comfortable on the ball, which is important these days with teams building up from the back, and he could have gone far in his career. I am just a little shocked that something like this happened and a young, promising life has been taken from us.”
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena joined mourners in offering his condolences.
“It is only befitting to start my press conference by sending condolences to the family of Luke Fleurs, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United, who invested a lot into his development as a footballer.
“It is a very sad that a young life with so much potential can come to such an abrupt end. I think it is a major loss for the South African football fraternity. As Mamelodi Sundowns we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace.”
Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau has also been saddened by Fleurs’ death.
“It is sad to see the life of a young player end like that, it is painful for us and I wish his family strength during this difficult time.”
