THE South African football fraternity is mourning the death of former Orlando Pirates forward Lucas Moripe.
Moripe, who was nicknamed ‘Masterpieces’, died on Tuesday at the age of 71.
According to reports, after suffering a mild stroke, Moripe had been confined to a wheelchair in the latter parts of his life.
Moripe, whose health recently deteriorated, died at his home in Atteridgeville with details about his burial still to be confirmed by his family.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest players, Moripe rose to prominence during the golden era of South African football in the 1970s.
Moripe played for Pretoria Callies and then for Orlando Pirates before knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.
In honour of his legacy, a street in Atteridgeville was named after him. In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed to the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The 30 000-seater stadium serves as a home venue for PSL clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United. –News24