Tributes continue to pour in for Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala

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Tributes continue to pour in for football legend Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala. He died from the injuries sustained during a burglary at his home in Centurion in March.

Tshabalala was the first ever Bafana Bafana coach, post-isolation, in 1992.

Stanley Tshabalala, affectionately known as “Screamer,” was born in 1949 in Orlando East, Soweto. His first love was boxing, however, his boxing career was short-lived as he often found himself on the receiving end of hard punches, which led him to abandon the sport.

Tshabalala’s passion for soccer began at an early age. He was a regular participant in street soccer matches and, in 1968, he joined the local team, Orlando Preston Brothers.

Another football legend Eugene Zwane grew up in the same neighborhood as Bra Stan. And he was given his first break in professional football by Tshabalala.

“I enjoyed the first professional coach he gave me the break in 1985 at giant Blackpool he came to pay my parents a visit and that’s when I played for Blackpool,” says Football legend Eugene Zwane.

Tshabalala was Bafana Bafana’s first head coach after the country’s readmission to international football in 1992. Marks Maponyane played for Bafana Bafana under Tshabalala.

“Bafana Bafana was playing against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe and played in that first official match coached by Screamer Tshabalala I got to know him better,” says Football legend Marks Maponyane.

Tshabalala was a founding member of Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most celebrated football clubs.

Another football legend and President of the South African Masters and Legends Association, Jacob ” Buddha” Mathathe, also pays his respects. He played for the one-time Benoni United and Witbank Black Aces.

“I have known Bra Stan since I played football, he is one of the legends in this country and unfortunately we don’t recognize and acknowledge legends like Bra Stan people that have made a great development in the development of football in the country,” explains Jacob Mathathe.

In the 1980s, Tshabalala moved to Sundowns and had a successful stint guiding the team to a number of titles. Doctor Khumalo was part of the first Bafana Bafana team in 1992 when Tshabalala was the coach.

“I can only say thanks for selecting in the first Bafana Bafana team thanks for trusting me to represent Bafana Bafana I have shared great moments with you, and I enjoyed every moment I spent with you.”

He was Orlando Pirates’ Technical Director at the time of his death.

Video: Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala – Football legend Lucas Radebe pays tribute