Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has called for a national football academy to be opened to honour the late Theodore "Ted" Dumitru's contribution in South African football.
Mbalula was speaking at the memorial service of the late "magician", as he was described by his colleagues and friends at Ellis Park Arena this afternoon.
He described Dumitru as the Che Guevara of football, who was born in one country and fought the battles of another.
Mbalula said: "The biggest academy in Africa must be unveiled by SAFA to honour Ted Dumitru."
"In that academy, we should do coaching, train these youngsters. We don't have a strong incubation in this country."
Dumitru was well known for his love for South African football and his contribution towards the development of football. He won back-to-back PSL titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs and took Sundowns to the CAF Champions league final for the first time.
Dumitru leaves behind his daughter, Andrea Theodore.
