Hlompho Kekana Remembers Interactions with Alex Shakoane!

Hlompho Kekana Remembers Interactions with Alex Shakoane! This follows the passing of the former Masandawana stalwart.

Alex Shakoane was a very popular figure with many people he crossed paths with. Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has recounted his interactions with him.

Goldfingers has been involved with The Brazilians since the 1970’s, when the club was formed. He was the Communications Manager at the club.

Shakoane has been pivotal in the growth of the Mamelodi Sundowns brand.

“A father, an uncle, a grandfather, whatever you want to call him, but for me he was a man of principle, a man of honour, integrity and he was a protector.” Kekana told the club media.

“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 encyclopaedia of Sundowns and the historian of football in South Africa.” He spoke.

“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.’’ He concluded.

The memorial service for Goldfingers was held on Thursday [11 May 2023]. Hlompho Kekana Remembers Interactions with Alex Shakoane!