Mourners came to pay their last respects to Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe (74) at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, a stadium named after him in Tshwane.
The former Orlando Pirates and Pretoria Bantu Callies player was laid to rest at Lotus Cemetery, west of Tshwane on Thursday, 28 November.
Masterpieces died on 19 November. The family spokesman, Oupa Moripe, said the family always discussed football with him.
“He was using his head to think what he was going to do with his feet. He was the best dribbler. The family sang songs and danced surrounding the coffin.
“We are grateful for the beautiful Mamelodi Sundowns. Always when Sundowns won, you will see his happy face. We are thankful,” he said. He said that wherever Masterpieces is, he’s happy.
“What a wonderful send-off for honouring my brother by giving him a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category Two,” he said. Rachel Moripe, a niece, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to Masterpieces’ life and who continues to support the foundation and a book about his life.
“His legacy must live on. Let’s make sure of that as the people of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and Gauteng. We should uplift our own,” she said.
Itu Moloto, a representative of the Moripe Foundation, said that people can’t talk about football without mentioning Masterpieces. “You cannot speak about Atteridgeville and Pretoria Bantu Callies Football Club without mentioning him. Rest in peace, Modimo wa Bolo,” he said.
Neighbour Godfrey Masala said: “We’re deeply hurt to lose a legend like him. He was an ever-smiling person who was full of jokes. He was a humble and straightforward person.” Clifford Simango, chairman of Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Goodwill Games, said: “We played a huge role in this stadium to be named after Lucas Masterpieces Moripe.”
Councillor Esther Masuku said it was a sad day.
“We are bidding farewell to our beloved Masterpieces Moripe. He was so passionate about the talent God gave him.”