BHUNYA ACES’ TRIBUTE TO LATE JAN SITHOLE

MBABANE – Many were unaware of the late Jan Sithole’s involvement in football, save for being a political activist.
Yes, he loved, played and was once a football administrator for Bhunya Black Aces.

Following the news of Sithole’s passing, the team has issued a statement honouring him as part of their family.
“On behalf of the Bhunya Black Aces, we are saddened by the tragic news of the passing away of its long-time member and elder, Mr Jan Sithole. A lot of people got to know Sithole as a fearless leader of the trade union movement in the country. For us at Bhunya Black Aces, he was one of us from the 1960s until his untimely death,” read the communiqué in part.

It states that Sithole or Ndabaningi, as he was affectionately known by the Bhunya community, was an integral part of the Aces family. He played many roles including being a player and captain of the reserve team, Bhunya Black Spades, team treasurer, secretary and spokesperson, and head of administration. He represented the team in the Premier League of Eswatini in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He was also the talent scout for the team.

House

It is said that his house at New Bhunya village was a clubhouse for the team for many years.
“In later years, when he was deeply involved in the trade union movement, he continued to support the team financially and on an advisory role. He impacted many young boys who attained their education through the progressive ‘education first’ policy of Bhunya Black Aces.

He opened his home to many of these young boys as they attended their schooling.”
According to the statement, the last time Sithole attended a major game for the team was when it played and won the 2018 Usuthu Cup at the Bhunya Madlabantfu Stadium. The team has since won the Usuthu Promotion and Sigangeni Promotion league in the past two years.

The mighty graduates, as the team is affectionately known, are due to participate in the Hhohho Super league playoffs.
“We hope to do well in honour of JJ Sithole.

As we rebuild this once great team, we will forever remember the contributions and sacrifices made by such great leaders of the team like JJ Sithole. To us, Abafana abadla ubisi ngemfologo, we are celebrating the life of a gentle giant, a legend and brother. We shall always remember his deep, but soft-spoken voice. JJ Sithole was an embodiment of what the mighty graduates stand for; educational excellence,” reads the statement.
From the same statement, the team sent its condolences to the Sithole family.

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