A well-travelled local football administrator, talent scout, and former Black Leopards Football Club owner, Mr Zachariah Mathelemusa, passed away on Saturday after a long illness.

Mathelemusa served as chairman of Black Leopards for 25 years before selling the club to its current president, Tshifhe David Thidiela. Along with the late Jersey Muthige, he acquired the status of Tshipako Black Leopards from the village of Tshipako in 1983.

Over the years, Black Leopards has grown into one of the country’s most popular clubs, drawing huge support, especially at home matches in Thohoyandou.

Mathelemusa has been hailed for his immense contribution to the club, having nurtured talents such as assistant coach Joel Masutha, Victor Mathelemusa, Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, and Rudzani Ramudzuli, to name just a few. He also signed seasoned players such as Cedric Madzaga, David “Nanana” Masase, Mawela “Ace” Ramabulana, and Toy Kutama.

It was during his tenure that the club was renamed from Tshipako Black Leopards to its current name.

When major professional teams formed the National Premier League at the start of the 1985 soccer season, Mathelemusa’s team was promoted from the second division to the elite division. Through his keen eye for talent, he recruited players such as Ace Kabode and GY Mbewe to strengthen the squad.

According to his daughter, Muofhe Mathelemusa, a memorial service will be held in his honour at the George Phadagi Hall at 14:00 on Friday, 14 March.

She described the family’s loss as devastating. “He was a friend, a motivator, and a dear father to all of us,” she said.

Mathelemusa is survived by his wife, Caroline, and 11 children.

His funeral service will take place at the Lutheran Church in Phiphidi, followed by his burial at Tshandau Cemetery on Saturday.