The Chairman of Free State Stars Football Club, Mike Mokoena, is no more.
The sad news of his passing was announced by the Chairperson of Premier Soccer League, Dr Irvin Khoza.
Mokoena was one of the founding members of the National Soccer League and longstanding member of PSL’s Executive Committee.
“Our prayers are with the Mokoena family, especially its Matriarch, Ausi Joyce Mokoena who has been a pillar of strength that propped Bra Mike up over the years,” said Khoza.
He described Mike Mokoena as a self-made man who took the fruits of his toil, which he could have used for his personal benefit and that of his family and invested selflessly into football. The Free State Stars payroll that he created and maintained, sometimes under very trying circumstances, is a source of viable livelihood for many.
“Bra Mike was an epitome of practicality. People do not come more practical that Mr Mokoena lived,” added Khoza.
He shined a spotlight on a little known town in South Africa. He literally put Qwa Qwa and the town of Bethlehem on the map. The economic activity generated by Free State Stars in the Eastern Free State is a powerful legacy of a passionate man that always maintained that “where there is a will, there is a way”
“Mike Mokoena, through his toil, left this world a better place than he found it. May his soul repose peacefully,”said the PSL Chairperson.
Mokoena’s passion for football and his sacrifice ensured that Free State, particularly the Eastern Free State, has a top flight football in the form of Ea lla Koto.
This team survived hardships and remained in the Premier Soccer League until recently when it was relegated to the National First Division.
It was this team that dazzled the fans at Charles Mopeli Stadium in Qwaqwa and lately at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem.
