A famous soccer personality and Orlando Pirates die-hard fan, Thivhulawi Samuel Gidi (43), was laid to rest at Makonde graveyard on Thursday last week. ‘Langalizwe’, as Gidi was affectionately known, died peacefully at his home after a long illness. Gidi’s wishes were granted when his coffin was carried by soccer players, as he requested before he died.

During his heydays, Gidi played for Makonde Home Defenders, a team he ended up training in the late nineties. He then coached Makonde United Brothers and later involved himself in the development of young soccer players. At the time of his death, he was playing for Mutshini Football Club, a team that comprises local old crocks.

To display his undying love for Orlando Pirates, Gidi’s home was like an art gallery which displayed everything linking him with the team. His house, garden and car were all painted with the black and white colours and the popular Orlando Pirates emblem.

Robson ‘ER’ Netshitungulu spoke on behalf of the soccer fraternity during Gidi’s funeral. He said Mutshini FC had lost one of its pillars who had always been working hard towards the development of the team. "The whole team was shocked when we heard of his untimely death. He could play any position and his rare soccer skills will be missed by all of us. We have been with him for the past five years and he never appeared before the disciplinary committee. We used to visit him even during his last days and he could not stop talking about soccer. That is why he requested that his coffin be carried by soccer players during his funeral."

Family member Pastor Sam Mahamba of the Seventh Day Adventist Church said the family was in great pain after losing one of their beloved members. "We are very saddened by his death but we will have to accept it because God’s will has been done. I am happy because I had the opportunity of seeing him a few hours before his death and he called my name; thereafter, he spoke about the greatness of God. He said Mahamba, a sa divhi Jehova ha divhi tshithu (Mahamba, those who do not know Jehovah know nothing). May his soul rest in peace."

Gidi is survived by his three wives, eight kids, brothers and sisters.