WeeklySA_AdminDEPARTED: The former Witbank Black Aces and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder succumbs to undisclosed illness
By Masoja Cele
The Betway Premiership League will observe a moment of silence in honour of the late football legend Peter Sello ‘’Fuduwa’’Mokotedi. The silent contemplation will be observed at all Premiership, Motsepe Foundation Championship and DDC fixtures this weekend.
Recently, the South African football fraternity bid farewell to one of its greatest football icon, the legendary Lucas ‘’Masterpieces’’Moripe who played for Pretoria Bantu Callies in the early 70’s and 80’s.
The former Witbank Black Aces and Kaizer Chiefs electrifying winger succumbed to an undisclosed diseases at George Mkhari Academic Hospital, Tshwane on Thursday afternoon. Sadly, Mokotedi lost about 50% of his vision back in 1993 and lastly went permanently blind in the year 2000.
The Lady Selbourne born winger gained popularity in football fraternity after signing for Aces in 1978. Mokotedi fitted into the AmaZayoni system like a hand to a glove. Mokotedi was quick and shielded the ball classily. His dribbling skills were a marvel to watch.
At Aces he surrounded himself with the cream de le crème that included the late Steve ‘’Disco’’ Makua, Thomas ‘’Junior’’ Ngobe, Amos ‘’Shuffle’’Mkhari, Matthew ‘’Mastermind’’ Msibi, Ben ‘’Hundu’’Ntuli, Cyprian ‘’Mahala’’ Maimane, Willliam ‘’Danger’’Sibiya, Willie Mahlangu the list is endless. This was a dream team for any aspiring coach.
Primarily, the speedy Mokotedi was supposed to sign for Orlando Pirates before his successful move to Witbank Black Aces. Sonnyboy Ngobeni who was a Bucs official and an owner of Manchester City from Mabopane wanted to sign Mokotedi for the Buccaneers. However, other Pirates officials were sluggish with the negotiations. With Aces in the picture they moved quickly and snapped him from Mabopane Naughy Boys.
Mokotedi was part of the AmaZayoni team that played and beat Orlando Pirates in the 1980 BP Top 8 two legged final. The first leg was played in Kingsmead Stadium, Durban.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Steven Selabe scoring Aces goal while Johannes ‘’Big-Boy’’ scored Bucs goal. The second leg took place at Orlando Stadium with Aces clinching the final 1-0 after Meshack ‘’Touch’’Mokoebo’s late goal.
Even though Mokotedi had a successful stint at the Emalahleni team but, tempting offers were dangled in his court.
He quit Aces and joined Kaizer Chiefs after having a successful negotiations with AmaKhosi el supremo Kaizer Motaung. Eventual he signed for Chiefs and became a Phefeni Boy. At Chiefs Mokotedi shared the field with great football luminaries like Nelson ‘’Teenage’’ Dladla, Pule ‘’Ace’’Ntsoelongoe, Kenneth ‘’The Horse’’ Mokgojoa, Jan ‘’Malombo’’Lichaba, Johannes ‘’Ryder’ ’Mofokeng, Sylvester ‘’City’’Kole, Abednego ‘’Shaka’’Ngcobo, Leonard ‘’Wagga’’Likoebe, Jackie ‘’Asinamali’’ Masike and a host of others.
The former Garankuwa football star spent two years at Chiefs and subsequently re-joined Aces after fruitful consultations with the manager Henry Mhlongo.
The Emalahleni players were thrilled to see their teammate back with the team. Even before his departure to Chiefs, his Aces teammates were devastated. They tried to persuade him to stay unfortunately the winger had already signed for the Phefeni Glamour Boys. More than anything, Aces improved Mokotedi salary after his return.
Prior to hanging up his boots Mokotedi had a short spell at Stallions and wind up his illustrious career at Mmabatho Kicks in Bophuthatswana (North West). Yours truly rubbed shoulders with the legend at Kicks during 1986 and 1987 calender years.
