Gentleman: Football legend Setshedi succumbs to undisclosed illness

By Masoja Cele

Another football icon has fallen – the erstwhile Orlando Pirates captain, coach and manager Phil ‘’Mr Jones’’Setshedi. The sad news of passing on of the legendary Setshedi surfaced Thursday, though cause of death has not been divulged as yet.

Not so long the South African football fraternity bid farewell to two football greats James ‘’Akulalwa’’Mabena and Alfred ‘’KK’’ Lentsoane who both starred for Moroka Swallows Limited in the 1970’s and early 80’s.

The ex- Bucs captain has left a legacy that is still etched in the minds of many football fanatics who witnessed him playing. Setshedi joined the Buccaneers in 1976 from Moroka Swallows Babes. Promptly, he showed his vigour and leadership qualities. At Pirates he surrounded himself with the cream de la crème that included the likes of Patson ‘’Kamuzu’’Banda, Chilliboy ‘’Nobby-Style’’ Koloba, Webster ‘’Neo’’ Dichaba, Oscar ‘’ Jazzman’’Dlamini, Ephraim ‘’Jomo’’Sono, Ephraim ‘’Shakes’’Mashaba, Jacob ‘’Tiger’’Motaung, Johannes ‘’Yster’’ Khomane, Elias ‘’Trinity’’ Banda, Elias ‘’Shuffle’’Mokopane, Alfred ‘’Ace’’Mgedeza, Johannes ‘’Big-Boy’’Kholoane, the list is endless. This was a dream team for any aspiring coach.

The Soweto born defender was a hard tackler in his day. Mr Jones was considered to be of the best defenders in the country. Setshedi mainly played a sweeper of central defender. He possessed a giant like physic that intimidated the opposition with ease. Nonetheless, with all those attributes, he wasn’t a robust defender at all. He was always cool and calm under any situation on and off the field. Mr Jones was once in the colours of Toronto Blizzard in USA alongside Jomo Sono. With Pirates he won the 1976 NPSL League Title, 1977 Sales House Cup, 1978 and 1983 BP top 8 titles and the 1980 Mainstay Cup,

In 1980 the gentle defender was tasked with the responsibilities of a player-coach at Bucs, a mission he attained with excellence. Mr Jones as Setshedi was famously known in football circles, propelled the ‘’Sea Robbers’’ into a well oil machine. The likeable player-coach guided the Orlando East based team to the Mainstay Cup glory. They clinched the coveted trophy with a 3-2 win against Moroka Swallows Limited at the Mecca of Soccer. Setshedi further pressed Bucs to an unbeaten 17 succession league matches. Regrettably, the fairy tale was derailed towards the finishing line as Highlands Park sneaked in to claim the league title.

Post his retirement Setshedi was appointed as the football manager at Pirates.  He served in that position until early 2007.

Outside football Setshedi worked as a manager at Deans Clothing Store in Carlton Centre. Deans was one of the most fashionable and popular retailer. It garbed up top football managers, players and classy socialites respectively. Mr Clean was a trendsetter and an elegant dresser. A role model of note to his peers and led by example.

 During the 1996 historical Afcon triumph the late Bafana Bafana gaffer Clive ‘’The Dog’’ Barker roped in Setshedi, as his assistant. Together, they planned and destroyed the opposition with their rich tactical acumen. But, Mr Jones hard earned football legacy was blemished when in 2013 he was incarcerated to 3 years in prison for his attempt to bribe a match official to influence the results.

House of Pink will rock theatre audiences

UNPLUGGED: Play viewed as a springboard to unleash queer community’s entertainers and theatre practitioners to the mainstream…

By Gugu Sibiya

House of Pink is a rare glimpse into the closeted world of queer artistic experience.

Music, dance and colourful costumes ordinarily come standard in this quarter of flamboyant characters –  and inevitably, the dice will roll in that order at the internationally renowned Market theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, when House of Pink opens for a short season starting on October 26 to 29. Boasting a vibrant, talented cast of Joburg-based drag queens who are agile entertainers, the play aims to impress. Talking about the show, director Lebohang Toko promises that the third edition of the show, which is back by popular demand, will be electrifying and set to knock the socks off the audience. A vow that should surely materialise – thanks to Toko’s experience and skill. 

Back for five-shows only, the cast of the gender-bending show are determined to deliver a fun, entertainment-filled show at the iconic theatre. The Queens will cast a spotlight on the constant changes drag offerings have undergone over the years, culminating to what we now know as the Drag Culture.  Toko says they also pay homage to the detailed history of drag performances all over the world, dating back to the late 19th century that have left mesmerised crowds in their wake. Drag shows have progressed into enthralling art offerings that transcend gender norms to celebrate diversity, self-expression and empowerment.

These ground-breaking shows go back to legendary locations like the Stonewall Inn, during the 60s to modern day contemporary reality TV shows. Undoubtedly drag has become a symbol of resilience and the LGBTQ+ community’s pride. So is celebrating Pride Month (October) with House of Pink, which is an ode to the community.

The director is adamant that queer people have a right to express themselves however they please, without anyone’s permission to exist. The Market views this production as a springboard that’ll unleash the queer community’s entertainers and theatre practitioners on to the mainstream stage from which they feel they’ve long been excluded.

Tickets that are available through Webticket, start   from R150 though there are special price for groups.