South African football legend Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe has died at the age of 71 on Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
Story Summary:
- South African football legend Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe has died; the cause of death remains undisclosed.
- Renowned as one of the greatest players of the golden era, Moripe’s career was cut short by injury and apartheid restrictions.
- Tributes pour in, honouring Moripe’s influence on South African football and his lasting legacy.
Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe dies: What’s the cause of death?
His death was announced on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, with the exact cause of death not immediately disclosed.
In recent years, Moripe’s health has deteriorated.
He suffered a mild stroke that left him confined to a wheelchair, compounded by a long-term knee injury that prematurely ended his illustrious football career in the late 1980s.
Lucas Moripe biography
Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, born in 1953, began his football career with Pretoria Callies in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1971.
Renowned for his extraordinary skill and dubbed “the god of football” by fans, Moripe dominated the golden era of South African football with his flair and finesse.
In 1973, Moripe’s exceptional performances earned him the prestigious titles of Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year.
He later joined Hong Kong’s Caroline Hill FC for a brief stint before returning to South Africa.
By 1981, Moripe signed with Orlando Pirates, though his career was cut short by a persistent knee injury.
Despite his career being hampered by apartheid-era restrictions, which denied him international opportunities, Moripe remains celebrated as one of South Africa’s greatest footballers.
Beyond the pitch, Moripe’s legacy is cemented in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, where the Super Stadium was renamed Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in his honour in 2010.
Moripe had a complicated personal life.
He had a son, William Mbatha, with Atteridgeville singer Virginia Mbatha.
William, known as the “King of Bling,” later became infamous as a convicted criminal.
Reflecting on this, Moripe once said:
“I failed as a father to look after William and guide him as a parent.”
Reactions to Moripe’s death
News of Moripe’s passing has drawn widespread tributes from fans, players, and officials across South Africa.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
