MPHO ‘Gift’ Leremi is no more.
It had been confirmed by the South African police that the 22-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder died in a car crash near Alberton in Ekurhuleni on Monday night. Shortly before the news was broken to the players, they were all huddled together in groups, seeking comfort in each other’s company, their eyes bewildered and sadness written all over their faces.Like all South Africans, they woke up to the shattering news that one of their colleagues had died in a car accident.And as they started gathering at the club headquarters, rumours filtered through that it was Leremi.But none of them were really convinced that the lively former Orlando Pirates star they had come to love as a brother and teammate was no more.Their eyes kept darting to the huge gate, perhaps hoping that they would see him sauntering through the entrance and it would all be a bad joke.And as the morning wore on, and no official word coming from the police until his family had identified his body, the tension kept growing but it was clear to them that he was the only one missing after they had all been summoned to gather at the Chloorkop headquarters.And Oscar Ntwagae, the macho hard-as-nails defender they regard as the assassin and protector of the younger players, simply broke down and cried as it became increasingly clear that it was indeed Leremi.Born in Soweto 22 years ago, Leremi was spotted by the Pirates scouts during the annual Godfrey Moloi tournament.He was recruited and signed for the development squad, from where he worked his way into the first team.He has represented South Africa at U-20 and U-23 level and was described as a possible representative of South Africa at the 2010 World Cup.SupersoccerShortly before the news was broken to the players, they were all huddled together in groups, seeking comfort in each other’s company, their eyes bewildered and sadness written all over their faces.Like all South Africans, they woke up to the shattering news that one of their colleagues had died in a car accident.And as they started gathering at the club headquarters, rumours filtered through that it was Leremi.But none of them were really convinced that the lively former Orlando Pirates star they had come to love as a brother and teammate was no more.Their eyes kept darting to the huge gate, perhaps hoping that they would see him sauntering through the entrance and it would all be a bad joke.And as the morning wore on, and no official word coming from the police until his family had identified his body, the tension kept growing but it was clear to them that he was the only one missing after they had all been summoned to gather at the Chloorkop headquarters.And Oscar Ntwagae, the macho hard-as-nails defender they regard as the assassin and protector of the younger players, simply broke down and cried as it became increasingly clear that it was indeed Leremi.Born in Soweto 22 years ago, Leremi was spotted by the Pirates scouts during the annual Godfrey Moloi tournament.He was recruited and signed for the development squad, from where he worked his way into the first team.He has represented South Africa at U-20 and U-23 level and was described as a possible representative of South Africa at the 2010 World Cup.Supersoccer
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!