Former chairman and one of the founders of Black Leopards, Zachariah Mathelemusa, has passed away at the age of 71. Mathelemusa passed away on Saturday, 8 March. He was the chairman of Leopards for 25 years before selling it to current president David Thidiela.
Prior to selling the then National First Division status to Thidiela in 2008, Mathelemusa also co-owned the club with musician Sello “Chicco” Twala. He worked alongside another former owner of the club, Jessy Muthige, before taking over as a solo owner in 1983.
Over the years, Black Leopards has grown to be one of the popular clubs in the country, drawing huge support, especially at home matches in Thohoyandou.
Mathelemusa has been hailed for his contribution to the side, having produced players such as club assistant coach Joel Masutha and Tshilidzi Nange, father to former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Phathutshedzo. It was during his time that the club was renamed from Tshipako Black Leopards to what they are called now.
CONDOLENCES POUR IN FOR THE LATE BLACK LEOPARDS OWNER ZACHARIAH MATHELEMUSA
Leopards chairman Chief Thidiela has described Mathelemusa as an ancestor of the club who contributed immensely to its growth. “If it was not for him, we would not have been involved in football as the Thidiela family,” he told FARPost.
CHIEF THIDIELA ACKNOWLEDGES THE CONTRIBUTION BY FORMER OWNER
“It would not be correct for us not to take the ancestors of Black Leopards or take him as one of the ancestors of Black Leopards because they have laid the foundation for the club to be what it is today through their hard work. Back then, it was tough [to run a club].
“He definitely contributed a lot as far as the foundation of Black Leopards is concerned. He handed over the baton, and hopefully, soon we will also hand it over to other people.
“May his soul rest in peace. We will definitely miss him and remember the contribution that he has made for the club.”
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