One of the most respected football legends in Limpopo, Mr Joseph “Mabena” Mashamba (55), was buried at Mashamba village last Friday.

He was seriously injured in a vehicle accident on 26 May near Mbokota. He was in the intensive care unit of the MediClinic in Polokwane since the accident and died on 2 August.

The news of his death sent shockwaves through the community he served throughout his life.

He became a teacher in 1982 at Ndalamo High at Mufeba. During his heydays, he played for Mashamba Flying Gunners and the former Venda homeland's national team. He played with stars like Chaina Madzena, Shoes Tshilate, Ivy Mathuba, Tshisamphiri Madima, Nana Masase, Toyko Mukwevho, Ace Kabote, Muzekezeke Ramabulana, Musiwa Mufamadi and the late Innocent “Tornado" Mulaudzi.

At the time of his death, he was working as the development officer for the Makhado Local Football Association and as managing director of Mashamba Academy.

The president of Safa, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, said the football family had lost one of its pillars who had always been working hard towards the development of soccer. "The whole region was shocked when we heard of his untimely death. We had been with him for many years."

A family member, Mr Freddy Mashamba, said the family was in great pain after losing one of their beloved members. He said the family was proud to have produced a man like Mabena.

The principal of Ndalamo high, Ms Ntakadzeni Maremeni, described Mashamba as a community builder and educator who was larger than life. “He was always there whenever we needed him. He was a responsible teacher, who also worked hard in the development of sports in our school,” she added.