By Mark Ogagan
South African soccer legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.
Moripe died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Moripe began his career in 1971 with Pretoria Callies, where he became a nightmare for defenders and earned the nickname “The God of Football” from adoring supporters.
In 1973, he was named the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) Player of the Year and was selected for the NPSL Invitation team to face a British All Stars XI. Unfortunately, due to South Africa’s apartheid regime, Moripe never had the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
After a stint in Hong Kong with Caroline Hill FC in 1980, Moripe returned to South Africa in 1981 to join Orlando Pirates. However, his time with the Sea Robbers was cut short by persistent injuries that ultimately ended his playing career.
In recognition of his contribution to football, the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in 2010. The stadium is currently home to Tshwane giants SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns. In the past, Moripe’s former club, Pretoria Callies, also called it home.
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