Well-known sports guru Mamba Nthangeni dies after a long illness

The well-known sports personality and former coach of Venda athletics and netball teams, Mr Mamba Patrick Nthangeni (69), passed away at the Phuluso Netcare Hospital in Polokwane on 21 April after a long illness. During his life, Nthangeni served as the coach of the Univen and Venda netball teams. He was also a coach at the former Finyazwananda Technical College, now known as Vhembe FET.

His wife, Ms Louisa Nthangeni, said that the family members were proud to have produced “one of the most valuable members of the community”. She stated that Patrick had played a significant role in uplifting the standard of netball, athletics, and education in the local community. “We are saddened to have lost someone like him, but we understand that God has taken him from us for a reason,” she said.

Mr Conso Makhura, who collaborated with him in the development of netball and athletics, described Nthangeni as a community builder “who was larger than life. He was always there when we needed him. Now that he is gone, we fear that no one will ever fill his shoes because he is irreplaceable”.

A memorial service was held at Maniini Rugged Cross Christian Church on Wednesday, 24 April at 14:00. He will be laid to rest in the Mbaleni Cemetery on 27 April.

Sport - Date: 26 April 2024

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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