"TO be remembered during one's lifetime is one of the priceless gifts to be cherished."
These were the words of Themba Thwala, founder of Vosloorus Juventus FC and Vosloorus Wits FC.
The former players organised a lunch for him on Saturday, 20 April in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, and showered him with money.
Themba (64) from Vosloorus said it's rare that people are remembered while they're still alive.
"Normally, we celebrate when people have passed away. It's very rare that people honour me and tell me this while I'm still alive.
"It's heartening to see people you trained and coached when they were young invite you to lunch to honour you," Themba said.
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He said he felt great when the former players organised a lunch for him.
"These guys, who are men now, show me that they appreciate the contribution I made to them many years ago when I owned football teams," he said.
"It's a fulfilling moment to see that I've had an incredible impact on their lives," Themba said.
Themba is one of the former soccer players who started a football team after hanging up their boots in the 1980s.
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He said he started the team to look for talent ekasi.
During his coaching career at grassroots level, he was always called "Boss" and shouted at the top of his voice when giving instructions from the bench.
Among the players Themba coached are former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabulani Mendu and ex-Moroka Swallows defender, Augustine Mabuya.
One of the organisers, Fanyana Jonas, said they hosted a lunch for Thwala and also showered him with money.
"He was our father figure. He was not only our soccer coach, but he also taught us responsibility," Fanyana said.
Former Juventus goalkeeper Edward Phillips said that we learnt a lot from Themba, who was a mentor.
"Through his mentorship, as a coach and father, we have grown, and we wanted to thank him while he is still alive.
"It's important to come together and honour our loved ones and acknowledge what they mean to us. Themba is one of those people who contributed to our lives," Phillips said.
Augustine said: "Firstly, I want to thank Thwala for the role he played in my football career.
"As a family man, it was not easy to support ourselves from our own pockets and without sponsors. He always supported and guarded us when we were young.
"He was a good coach who always dressed like a boss. Even now, at his age, he's still the person we grew up with under his leadership," said Augustine.
Another player, Tso Nhlapo, said: "We have to honour the people who have changed our lives through sport.
"Sport is one of the key elements that make up the talents of future stars and help them realise their dreams," said Tso.
