Diehard ‘Ghost’ hailed at memorial service
Two weeks after Orlando Pirates lost one of its superfans, the Serbian-born Dejan Miladinovic in Soweto, Cape fans wept for one of their own.
A security guard by profession, Sinoxolo Mabahlekile, was hit by a car as he fled for safety when attacked by robbers in Kraaifontein last week.
On Saturday branches from Mfuleni, Khayelitsha and elsewhere held a service in his memory.
Both his away and home jerseys, No 27, were displayed.
Master of ceremonies James Smith had his hands full as he tried to control the Ghost members who wanted to sing in full voice.
An emotional former colleague of Mr Mabahlekile, Eunice Godze of Mhonko Securities, lamented his death.
“Crime is robbing us big time. Such a young man, very dedicated and committed to his job died after being pursued by criminals,” Godze said.
She said Mr Mahlabekile left her company to be closer to home so that he could cut travelling costs.
“We accepted his resignation because it made financial sense and we were not aware that death was creeping up. He was an efficient worker,” said Ms Godze.
Speaker after speaker painted a picture of a man with zeal and conviction but it was Pirates supporters club head honcho, Zet Nkomombini, who hit the nail home.
“In this young man we had hope. He was emerging as as leader, he loved Orlando Pirates and I am sure as you sing songs today he approves,” said Mr Nkomombini.
He urged branch members to follow in the footsteps of Mr Mabahlekile and show loyalty at all times.
“Snora, as we knew him, always wanted The Ghost to be intact regardless of the results in the game. He was a sportsman, a good fan,” said Mr Nkomombini.
Bishop Themba ka Zulu preached at the Kraaifontein ceremony.
“(Mr Mabahlekile’s death) makes us ask where was God at this moment. But I urge all of you to release the spirit of this young man knowing that God has answers,” said Bishop Ka Zulu.
Mr Mabahlekile will be buried on Saturday in Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape.
