Times Of Swaziland: FIFA INSTRUCTOR PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE

FIFA INSTRUCTOR PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE
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BY ashmond nzima on 16/06/2018 01:47:00


MANZINI – Mourners struggled to hold back tears, as visiting FIFA Refereeing
Instructor Felix Tangawarima shared his last moments with the late Match
Commissioner Mangaliso Langwenya.
Langwenya died last Saturday after a short illness. COSAFA Referees Manager and
Zimbabwe-based FIFA Instructor Felix Tangawarima was among over 100 mourners,
who paid their last respects to the fallen match official and football
administrator during a memorial service at Prince Mfanyana Hall in Manzini
yesterday.  Tangawarima was with the deceased about two weeks ago during the
Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup in Polokwane,
South Africa.
Sharing his last moments with the deceased, Tangawarima, who makes regular stops
in the country for courses, said he had suggested that the late should be taken
back home, as his health condition worsened in Polokwane.
“He was briefly admitted in Cairo, Egypt, where he had attended a workshop.
When he left Egypt for Polokwane, I had ordered the CAF doctor to prescribe
medication he would take with him.
“On arrival in Polokwane, he was not well and I had to pack his bag. Due to
his poor health, he had to connect two flights to Swaziland. I accompanied him
to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, and officials were doubtful he was fit to
board a plane,” said Tangawarima.
The instructor said he had known Langwenya to be bubble, but could hardly
recognise his voice when he called later to check on him.
“He sent a text message to me last week thanking the assistance in his short
stay in Polokwane,” he said.
Tangawarima further disclosed that the deceased commanded respect in COSAFA,
where he was nicknamed the ‘Chief.’
“I had instructed him to groom female referees from Swaziland (Eswatini).
“Without Mangaliso, we’re empty. He was sincere and loyal. He left a big
void,” stressed Tangawarima.
The visiting instructor told Langwenya’s children that include former Premier
League referee Phinda Sihlongonyane to be strong during the difficult period.
Meanwhile top football officials, referees and retired match commissioners made
a stop at the venue to pay their last respects. They were led by National
Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) Vice President Peter ‘Samora’
Simelane. Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) Executive Member Peter ‘Touch’
Magagula and COO Pat Vilakati could also not miss out.
Retired FIFA referee and former PLS CEO Zwelonke ‘Sport’ Dlamini was also
present.