WeeklySA_AdminGONE YONDER: Phil “Mr Clean, Mr Jones” Setshedi will always be remembered, not only for his sartorial elegance, but for his upstanding leadership both on and off the field…
By Vusi Sithole
The year 2023 marks the 46th anniversary of October 19, 1977. As the nation jogged its memory into a brutal and repressive past, the Setshedi family observed the remembrance under a dark cloud that has befallen them with the unexpected loss of one of their own.
Condolences to the family. Strength to the friends in this trying hour of loss. And may the football community touched by the stellar playing days of his life be comforted. In the collective hearts of all that graced the grandstands to watch the beautiful game of football, he was esteemed as Phil“Jones” Setshedi all the way.
He was celebrated in the field of play as a star performer. He was renowned off the field as an exemplary figure with an immaculate dress sense. Looking the perfect part in a clothing shop,Cyril’s Wardrobe, he did as much to see people feeling just as good by how they looked. His sense of dress distinguished him as a brand-builder of soccer officials and administrators alike.
One was not fully dressed until guided with appropriate style to fit in by a man that earned the reputation of being Phil “Mr Clean, Mr Jones” Setshedi. His beginnings trace back to the magic of Soweto in Dube, through to the rough and tumble dark streets of Alexandra Townships. Nevertheless, glimpses of his stardom were nowhere near being dimmed. Like aspirant footballers of his age, he defied all odds to navigate his path through the hazards of warring Msomi and Spoilers gangs, to make a name for himself through his footballing talent. No wonder his spark found its shine waiting for his hardworking company in the league of professional players.
Before reaping applause from paying soccer fans gracing stands of stadiums like the renowned Orlando Stadium, he honed his skills playing for Alexandra Wanderers. Contemporary players were Dan “Vader” Mophosho of Alex Moroka Lions.
Former
The star in the making could not have been missed by the scouting eye of Orlando Pirates Football Club El Supremo Irvin Khoza. These were days of suave football leadership of Roger Sishi, the enlightened quality soccer administrators of Leepile Taunyane and the bookish Cyril Kobus. Who can forget the persuasive trending-setting soccer PRO Abdul Bhamjee.
It was out of the conducive environment created by the combined inspirational figures such as Sishi, Taunyane, Kobus and Bhamjee that Phil “Jones” Setshedi emerged to wear the many hats for each assigned role with unmistakable determination that taught him to fight as well as taught him to win. And win he did. Ninety Minutes No Mistake, they called him. Mr Clean also counted as one of his affectionate names. The row of nicknames by which he was adored, made him stand out as Pirates defender, captain and player-coach. It was while shouldering the responsibility of player-coach that saw him leading Orlando Pirates on a 17-game unbeaten run culminating in that classic
Mainstay Cup 3-2 win over Moroka Swallows. This was no small feat which he was deservedly crowned a proper Orlando Pirates football legend.
A tidy player who dusted himself after each falling tackle, would, without fail, rise to dust himself back to his feet to peptalk his teammates for the game to go on. As a classy player, he found himself compared to stylish American jazz drummer Phil Joe Jones.
When South Africa regained its place to play with other free nations of the world, Mr Jones was deputy to national head coach Clive Barker. This was a year in which Bafana Bafana were crowned Africa Cup of Nations Kings in 1996. He may have done time for his indiscretions but would be most remembered for his footprints by which to be followed by a generation of soccer stars to come.
May his soul rest in peace to pass cherished memories to the soccer gods that once graced our fields of play of this beautiful game. He remains a cherished name that has stamped its place in the annals of our soccer history.
Fare the well “Mr Jones”. Although you are gone, you have carved a permanent soft place in our hearts, “Mr Clean”.
- Sithole is an eminent businessman of many endevours
