From Kaizer Chiefs to Gayton McKenzie: Mzansi pays tribute to late Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala

FILE: Stanley Screamer Tshabalala pictured with his daughter, Dineo, in 2008. Tshabalala passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya / Independent Newspapers

FILE: Stanley Screamer Tshabalala pictured with his daughter, Dineo, in 2008. Tshabalala passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya / Independent Newspapers

Published Jul 12, 2024

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The new minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says the late Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala has left an indelible mark on South African football.

Tshabalala passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. Earlier this year, Tshabalala spent some time in hospital after being shot during a home invasion.

Born in Orlando East, Soweto in 1949, Tshabalala started his sporting life as a boxer, but found his true passion in football.

Tshabalala was also a founding member of Kaizer Chiefs in 1970, and earned the nickname “Screamer” because he always shouted incessantly for the ball on the field.

He also served as Chiefs’ technical director between 1996 and 2001.

As head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in the 1980s, Tshabalala pioneered their free-flowing attacking style of play, which was famously dubbed “piano and shoe-shine”.

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 12, 2024

Tshabalala was Bafana Bafana’s first head coach after the country’s readmission to international football in 1992, and his life was central to the development of football in South Africa.

After leaving his role at Chiefs, he served as technical director at Orlando Pirates in the 2000s.

“We remember Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala on this sad day and pay tribute to his legacy and contribution that fostered many football talents and teams over several decades,” McKenzie said in a statement.

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 12, 2024

The official South African government account on X also extended their heartfelt condolences, saying Tshabalala’s “immense contributions to South African football and his unwavering commitment to the development of our nation's sport will forever be remembered.”

“He inspired countless individuals with his passion, dedication and vision. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.”

Pirates announced on X that they, along with the Tshabalala family, will furnish the public with details of the funeral arrangements in due course.

@JohnGoliath82