Legendary South African football player, coach, and administrator Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala died on Thursday, 11 July 2024. He was 74.
Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala dies: What’s the cause of death?
In a statement, Orlando Pirates confirmed Tshabalala died in hospital on Thursday after succumbing to the injuries he suffered when he was shot in March.
The tragic incident in March left Tshabalala with severe injuries from which he never fully recovered, leading to his untimely death.
“The Tshabalala and Orlando Pirates Family will furnish the details in due course. The public is advised to await the provision of the details for the arrangements going forward,” the statement read.
Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala biography
Stanley Tshabalala, known affectionately as “Screamer,” was born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1949.
His first foray into sports was through boxing, under the mentorship of the renowned Transvaal boxing champion, Jerry Moloi. However, it was soccer that would become his lifelong passion and career.
Tshabalala was a founding member of Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most successful football clubs.
His nickname, “Screamer,” was derived from his habit of incessantly shouting for the ball on the pitch.
He later joined Mamelodi Sundowns, where he earned a reputation as the “Piano” and “Shoe-shine” man, developing a style of play that emphasised rhythm and cohesion.
Throughout his career, Tshabalala was not only a player but also took on significant roles as a coach and technical director.
He was the first national coach of Bafana Bafana post-readmission to FIFA in 1992 and served as the team manager and technical advisor in 1993.
He later returned to Orlando Pirates as the technical director, where he helped the team achieve remarkable success, including winning the first and second treble.
Tshabalala’s influence extended beyond the pitch; he was deeply involved in scouting and developing young talent, particularly during his tenure with Kaizer Chiefs.
His contributions to South African football were profound and lasting, marking him as a pivotal figure in the sport’s development in the country.
Reactions to Tshabalala’s death
The South African Football Association (SAFA) and various football clubs expressed their condolences and tributes following Tshabalala’s passing.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan highlighted Tshabalala’s significant impact on both the national and club levels, stating:
“Stanley made a huge mark for the country and at club level. His contributions to South African football will always be remembered.”
Here are some of the reactions we picked from social media: