Times Of Swaziland: ‘PAPY FATY WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL’

‘PAPY FATY WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL’
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BY PHOLSILE HLOPHE on 03/05/2019 04:10:00


MBABANE – It was a moment of sorrow and tears for Malanti Chiefs players and
team management during his farewell ceremony held at Mbabane Burial Society
yesterday.
Malanti Chiefs players yesterday paid their last respects to departed Burundian
player, Papy Faty, who collapsed and died last Thursday at Killarney Stadium
during their MTN League clash against Green Mamba. The farewell ceremony which
started at 4:30pm was led by Pastor Ngcobo and speaking on behalf of the players
was the team’s captain, Siyabonga Nkambule, who hailed Faty as a
non-complainant, disciplined and devoted player who taught them a lot during his
brief stay at Malanti Chiefs Football Club.
“We are deeply saddened by his demise and he will be dearly missed by us all.
He was a true professional and loved soccer whole-heartedly. Papy never
complained about Eswatini Premier League. He was a true motivation and his death
was not only a blow for the team but the country at large. We learnt a lot from
him and I pray that God helps us to find closure and comfort,” said the
captain in tears.
The players could not contain their emotions during the service but pastor
Ngcobo quoted from the Scripture, assuring them that their colleague’s death
was no one’s fault but the plans of the Almighty God.
“The Bible states it clearly that no man has power over his own spirit. Death
awaits us all and the day of departure is concealed before men but known to
God,” said Ngcobo.
He encouraged the players to find peace and comfort in their heart, reminding
them to always pray and be thankful to God who blessed them with football
skills. The team’s coach, Raymond Dlamini, also hailed Faty as a distinctive
player who brought a different dimension into their team. He praised him as a
compassionate player and one who openly sought solutions to any of the team’s
challenges.
unbelievable
“It is still unbelievable that he is no longer with us. My deepest condolences
to his teammates, family and friends. He was more than just a Malanti Chiefs
player but a blessing to the community. He showed his love for the community and
recently donated school jerseys and shoes for pupils in Pigg’s Peak. May his
soul rest in peace, until we meet again in heaven,” said Dlamini.
South Africa-born striker, Sandile Mazibuko said seeing Faty’s lifeless body
was heart wrenching but hoped to find closure and celebrate the memories he left
behind. He highlighted that they would have loved to attend his funeral but due
to financial constraints, they could not.
“He was a soldier indeed and died fighting. His dream was to play in the
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a few months but that dream never came true.
Our duty is to keep the legacy alive and honour him by winning our next games.
Without him I would not have scored my last hat-trick and he will be missed
dearly,” lamented Mazibuko.
The team’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lungile Dube, said they were on
standby for the export permit and hoped that Faty’s corpse would be
transported to his country today. She said the team would be sending two team
officials to Burundi, who would represent the team during the funeral.