Legendary “King of Soweto” and Master of the dribble is no more!

MASTERPIECES MORIPE IS GONE

The news of Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe’s passing spread quickly throughout Phelindaba and South Africa like wildfire.

Born and bred in Atteridgeville, a township west of Pretoria, Moripe’s journey to becoming a football legend was nothing short of remarkable.

His extraordinary talent, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game has earned him a place among the greats, and his impact on the sport was felt far and wide.

As a young boy growing up in Atteridgeville, Moripe had shown promise and potential on the football field from an early age, little wonder Pretoria Callies (The Romans) recruited him to wear their blue and white colors.

Moripe was synonymous with his birth place – Atteridgeville – and his success on the field had brought joy and hope to the people of Atteridgeville, proving that dreams can come true with perseverance and determination.

Fittingly, the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville was named after Moripe as an acknowledgement of his immense contribution to sport and for raising the profile of the township.

The stadium stands as a testament to his legacy, a place where fans could come together to celebrate the game and pay tribute to a true sporting icon. He was a role model for young aspiring footballers, a mentor who believed in the power of sports to uplift and inspire.

For Moripe, the stadium was more than just a venue – it was a symbol of his journey, his triumphs, and his enduring impact on the world of sports. Moripe’s presence in Atteridgeville was a source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.

Moripe was Atteridgeville and Atteridgeville was Moripe. He epitomized everything that was beautiful and excellent about Phelindaba.

His natural skills and agility set him apart from his peers. Moripe’s rise to stardom was swift and spectacular, as he quickly made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Fans of the beloved football legend were devastated by the loss of a true superstar and gentle giant of the sport. His presence in the football world will be sorely missed, as he leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

He suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed a few years ago, but the Motsepe Foundation purchased a wheel chair for him and made him a VIP at all Mamelodi Sundowns home games.

Moripe was often compared to a baobab tree – strong and larger than life. His incredible talent and skill in the game made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Yet those that knew him, confessed secretly that Moripe hated training and all he ever wanted was to play.

His bow-legged stance was iconic, and his ability to control the ball with ease was truly remarkable. He was a true master of the game, with a passion for football that was unmatched by any other player.

Fans of South Africa’s big three in Soweto at the time – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows – in acknowledgement of his individual ability to single handedly destroy their beloved teams, nicknamed him “King of Soweto”

His performances on the field were mesmerizing, and he had a way of making it seem like if he so wished, could make the “pigskin talk” with each touch of the ball.

Ask Dr Kaizer Motaung, and he will tell you that the team talk inside their dressing rooms prior to Kaizer Chiefs facing Pretoria Callies was simply around who was going to “man-mark” the bow-legged wizard!

Yet despite close attention from defenders, some even applying unsporting dirty and over the top dirty tackles against him, he would effortlessly combine with the late Patrick “Let Them Dance” Molala to conjure up enough tricks to influence the outcome of the game.

The outpouring of love and support for the fallen superstar was a testament to the impact he had on the game of football.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of watching him play.

Some of us that have been privilege to have watched a match between an NPSL XI against a ban busting Malcolm Allison’s British All Stars team captained by Rodney Marsh and will cherish the memory of that winter evening at Orlando Stadium on July 9, 1973 for as long as we live.

Among the star-studded lineup of the NPSL XI were legends like Shakes Mashaba, Kaizer Motaung, Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi, Cedric “Sugar-Ray” Xulu, Tebogo Moloi’s late father Percy “Chippa-Chippa” Moloi, and the charismatic Moripe.

As the match progressed, Moripe was to explain in an interview years later, that he got “fed-up” when Soweto-based players, except Motaung and Moloi, starved him of the ball and so, he decided to ignore everything the coach had told them about “team-play” and sharing the ball and didn’t care if he would be hauled off the field afterwards.

Refusing to pass the ball to anyone, Moripe embarked on a daring run towards the opposing goal, leaving a trail of bewildered defenders in his wake. With each dribble, he showcased his unparalleled skill and control, leaving fans and players alike in stunned disbelief.

Despite the pressure from the opposition, Moripe remained calm and composed, focusing solely on his goal. As he made his way through the defense, he expertly maneuvered past six or seven players, showcasing his extraordinary talent and determination.

And then, in a move that left the crowd gasping in amazement, he released the ball and allowed it to kiss the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1 after the visitors had taken a 2-0 lead and the home side seemed onto a hiding to nothing.

That was the turning point in the match, confidence suddenly soared and Banks Setlhodi pulled off a world class save from the penalty to deny Geoff Hurst a chance to increase their lead as Motaung drew the match level with a sweetly struck left footed drive.

But the visitors pulled the match out of the fire with a late goal to win 3-2. But Moripe’s crazy solo run did not go un-noticed and it earned him a contract with Caroline Hills FC, a Chinese team owned by a businesswoman.

In the same year, despite his club Pretoria Callies not winning any major title, Moripe was voted the NPSL Footballer of the Year. This prestigious accolade was a testament to Moripe’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

I recall an incident during the 1973 then BP Top Eight quarterfinal match between Callies against Pirates at the Lucas Moripe stadium, then known as the Atteridgeville Super Stadium.

Pirates raced into an early 2-0 lead and Moripe had been, for some inexplicable reasons, put on the bench. But he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

Go ask Bra Shakes Mashaba, what Moripe did to the Pirates defence when he came on! At the end of regulation time, the score was 2-2 but in extra time, McDonald Skhosana laid on for Chippa Moloi who floated the ball to Jomo Sono.

The “Black Prince” controlled the ball despite the close attention of Patrick “Frelimo” Dibetla and Harry “Mampuru” Nkgoatau but the “Troublemaker” applied the scuffing tactic, hitting the ball that spun crazily and slipped like butter from the grasp of Louis Kiewitt to hand Pirates the winner.

In the tunnel leading up to the dressing rooms, a disappointed Moripe allegedly remarked that: “Eish Louis, mara wa re jesa jong!” A pissed off Louis Kiewitt responded by slapping Moripe across the face and the referee handed both players red-cards – in the tunnel – even though the match had ended!

In Atteridgeville, he was more than just a football legend – he was a hero, a symbol of hope, and a shining example of what it means to reach for greatness and achieve it.

Rest in eternal peace “Master”! There shall never be quite another like you.