COVID-19 CLAIMS 2 GOLFERS

MBABANE – The Eswatini golf community is devastated following the death of two veteran golfers, Simon ‘Mankwele’ Motsa and Victor Lima, who both died of COVID-19-related complications.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure and so will the memories of these ever jubilant golfers. Born on June 28, 1955 at KuBulunga, Motsa died on January 24, 2021 at the age  of 65. 

According to Manzini Golf Club Captain John Mngomezulu, Lima was buried last week and due to COVID-19 restrictions, Motsa’s funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course. 

Mngomezulu expressed heartfelt condolences to the golfers’ families, friends and colleagues following their shocking departure. 

As per the culture of brotherhood and family bond shared by the Eswatini golf community, Mngomezulu said the death of the duo was a loss to all golf clubs stretching beyond the kingdom’s borders. 

“We are shocked and shattered by the loss of our members. They were more than just golfers but father figures. We will forever cherish the memories we shared and may the lord bind their families and heal their pain,” said Mngomezulu.

Mngomezulu disclosed that some of their members had also tested positive for COVID-19 and appealed to the nation to pray for their recovery.

“We have some golfers that also tested positive for COVID-19, but we cannot mention their names without their consent and mainly because this is a sensitive matter. We are hopeful that they will recover and let us keep praying for them,” said Mngomezulu. 

Fellow golfer Wakie Lawrence said golfers across the country, including in Manzini, Mbabane, Nkonyeni, Mananga and Usutu were making monetary donations that would be donated to the deceased’s families. “We know nothing on earth can replace their loss and all the loved ones that left us. 

Website

Through a website that was created in memory of Motsa (www.forevermissed.com), people shared their condolences and memories in celebration of his life, including pictures, where they thanked him for the legacy he left behind.

“Dad, I still hear your laughter. God, I think it was too early to call him, I’m not blaming you. It’s just a cry from his son. Though hurt, we accept that he is with You now. We lost a principled father, grandfather, husband to our mother, uncle, cousin and son-in-law to Aphane. A man who never knew anger, family unifier, life coach, dedicated golfer and a classless individual, where all Motsa clan members were equal before him,” read a message shared by his son Toney Motsa.

One Mampela Leshaba recalled how he met Motsa at Kwa-Thema in 1981 together with his sister-in-law Maphefo, enroute to Johannesburg. Leshaba said he learnt a lot from Motsa, who educated him for the first time on how sugar was produced from sugarcane in Simunye, his former place of work.

“Martha, find solace in knowing that your loss is ours too. May he find eternal peace,” said Leshaba. 

Mbabane Golf Club Captain Kenneth Nkambule sympathised with all the golfers who were touched by the death of Lima and Motsa and cherished the time they spent together. 

Condolences

“Our sincere condolences go out to Manzini Golf Club, where Motsa and Lima were members. As golf clubs, we are one big family and a loss of one member is a loss to us all. May God comfort everyone who is touched by their passing and may their souls rest in peace,” said Nkambule.

He further encouraged golfers to continue adhering to the government’s regulations put in place to help fight the spread of COVID-19. He advised them to stay at home, always wear their masks and maintain regular hand hygiene as advised by health experts and government.

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