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Lt Erlin Matika

Local soccer giant laid to rest

 

The well-known soccer giant who produced the late Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Lesley “Slow poison” Manyathela, Lt Erling "Mr Shin" Matika (53), passed away in the Polokwane MediClinic last Wednesday.

Matika, a policeman, was the owner of Matika FC.

He was buried on Sunday at Tshikota. Among the mourners who attended the funeral were the MD of Black Leopards, Mr David Thidiela, policemen and owners of many teams around Vhembe, players and community members.

The news of his death sent shockwaves through the community he served throughout his life. According to several observers, Matika has left a void in the soccer fraternity. During his life, he served as spokesperson of KaizerXI, Masemola Diarora and Matika FC.

He received his training at the Hammanskraal Police Training Centre in 1986. He started his career at Lephalale, but was later transferred to Musina.

A representative of the family, Mr Thivhudzwi Matika, said the family was proud to have produced "one of the most valuable members of the community". He said they acknowledged the role that Matika had played in uplifting the standard of soccer and education in the local community.

The secretary of Matika FC, Mr German Tshikovhi, described Matika as a community builder and father to all "who was larger than life. He was always there when we needed him. Now that he is gone, we are afraid that no one will ever fill his shoes because he is irreplaceable."

A member of the Makhado LFA, Mr Scara Tshigomana, said the football family had lost one of its pillars, who had always worked hard towards the development of soccer. "The whole area was shocked when we heard of his untimely death," he added. Tshigomana described Matika as a brave leader who was helping young ones and who was loyal to the community and team and to his soccer family.

He is survived by his wife and four children. 

Policer officers carry the coffin of Lt Erlin Matika.

 

Date:19 November 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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