Chairman Kaizer Motaung Bids Farewell To Mazibuko

It is devastating to learn about the passing of Louis Mazibuko,” laments the Chairman Kaizer Motaung. “Here we have lost a smart human being, whose legacy of writing and speaking will linger on. The giant of scribing has fallen. Louis was one of a kind. He let the pen do the talking. He was a nonpartisan writer and knew his journalism. His work was at another level.”

Motaung was reacting after receiving the news of the death of Louis ‘Figo’ Mazibuko. Mazibuko died on 8 July, after illness.

“Louis was there during the 70s,” recalls Motaung. “It is a sheer coincidence that he began his career during the years of the formation of Kaizer Chiefs. I had the pleasure of conducting several interviews with him. He was very knowledgeable about football. He interviewed me during my playing days as well as in my days as a soccer administrator. His command of the Queens language was extraordinary.”

Mazibuko also affectionately known as ‘Mshikashika’ started his career in the 70s plying his journalism trade for publications such as The Sunday Extra, The World, Sunday Times, and as deputy sports editor of Sunday World. The Rand Daily Mail and Sowetan appears in his stellar career.

“I am unable to put pieces together to describe the loss of such a stalwart,” says Motaung. “He pulled no punches in his interviews but soberly so. As he went on retirement four years ago, we kept in touch and often picked each other’s brains on the recollection of the past football memories. He had great comprehension and recollection of the history of football. He will be sorely missed by many.”

Life outside the pen and scribbler cannot be summarised in words. “He was a likable man with good energy,” says Motaung. “He was passionate about his work. We would share jokes and he enjoyed quotable quotes. If you read his articles you will realise the poet in his style of writing, and that is how he conducted an exchange of ideas outside his scribbling. I will miss his friendly persona.

“At this point, I wish to extend my condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the press society. Your loss is a loss to many. Louis left a legacy and indelible mark in the history of sports journalism. He leaves behind a track record of excellence and passion for writing and speaking all matters sports. He may be gone but will never be forgotten. Legends do not die they multiply. Rest well Champ.”