FOOTBALL off-season in South Africa, like everywhere in the world where the sport is popular, is a time where football clubs make announcements about their plans for the next season.
These typically centre on new talent acquisitions, extensions of players' contracts, and player departures.
On Thursday, the announcement by one of the biggest and oldest clubs in professional football, Orlando Pirates, was one of shock and sadness.
When many football lovers were anticipating news of new signings, extensions, and non-renewals of contracts, the Buccaneers, as they are popularly known, announced the passing of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala, a renowned former football player, coach, talent scout and administrator.
Tshabalala, who brought unparalleled flair dubbed “Shoeshine and Piano” in the 1980s to one of the Premier Soccer League’s most accomplished teams, Mamelodi Sundowns,…