Following the untimely passing of Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane, there has been an outpouring of condolences messages to the Shakoane Family and Mamelodi Sundowns. Renowned for his engaging and energetic personality, Shakoane played an integral contribution in the club’s success for many years and his role cut across all the departments.
Apart from the role of speaking on behalf of the club as the PRO and Communications Manager, Alex Shakoane was a father figure and he safeguarded everyone associated with the Mamelodi Sundowns brand.
Mamelodi Sundowns legends, Hlompho Kekana and Teko Modise recounted their interactions with Mr Shakoane as they paid tribute to a loyal servant and supporter of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Hlompho Kekana, Former Captain of Mamelodi Sundowns, described the loss of Ntate Shakoane as that of having lost a family member: “A father, an uncle, a grandfather, whatever you want to call him, but for me he was a man of principle, a man of honor, integrity and he was a protector. With him you’d feel safe, even with things that frustrated me as a footballer and a human being when I got to Sundowns, I would easily talk to him and he always had an answer (solution) for every challenge I was facing.”
“You can easily say you were safer around him [because] he could make the environment feel safe for you to express yourself within and around him. I will miss his stories, every time I’d see him I would ask him about the culture of Mamelodi Sundowns. He was the only person that I know who has seen Sundowns from generation to generation. He knew what the background of the club was and I used to call him the encyclopedia of Sundowns and the historian of football in South Africa.”
Remembering Bra Alex’s role and contribution, Sundowns legend, Teko Modise said Shakoane, who was synonymous with Mamelodi Sundowns was the original ambassador that understood stakeholder relations and the value of communicating with the supporters and said: “Bra Alex was a familiar face to all Sundowns supporters, having been with the club since the early days. He was a true ambassador of the club, always going above and beyond to ensure that our supporters felt valued and appreciated. His passion for the game of football was evident in everything he did, and his tireless efforts were instrumental in helping our club achieve its many successes. I strongly believe that we are going to miss his character, his personality and his contribution to the club.”
“He always advocated for the Supporters and he referred to them as stakeholders. That was his passion, to make sure that the fans are satisfied with the club and that the fans attend the games and enjoy the type of football that we play and that was his biggest goal. He always reminded me of what Mamelodi Sundowns is to the country and should be going forward. Every time we bumped into each other, whether it was at the office or at the stadium, he always wanted to share a Mamelodi Sundowns story with me and for me to share with the world.” Said Downs legend, Teko Modise.
The Sundowns legends reminisced and shared similar stories of Bra Alex’ hospitality and how the renowned storyteller played a significant role in getting them to settle into the team and integrate into the Masandawana culture: “when I got to Sundowns he said to me, ‘Ke mo gae mo’, meaning ‘this is home’. We are here to help you prosper, don’t even feel intimidated.’’ Expressed the former Masandawana skipper.- Hlompho Kekana
“He made me feel at home and made me feel as if I had been playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. One of the first things that he said to me was ‘ke mo gae mo’. Whenever he saw me, he would say the same words and that really made me feel at home” concluded Modise.
Alex Shakoane was never shy to express his love for the club and it was evident in everything he did. He was a tireless advocate for the team, working tirelessly to promote the club and engage with fans from all walks of life. His dedication and hard work were an inspiration to us all.
ENDS
