Mbabane: The sporting fraternity has joined hands in paying tribute to the country’s most decorated coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati who succumbed to the novel Covid-19 early on Friday morning.
News of his death spread like wildfire on social media throughout the day. Mbabane Swallows left back Sanele Mkhweli who enjoyed a trophy laden three seasons with Vilakati at the red and white giants said, “So devastated to hear the news that you are no more Coach, to me you were more like a father and friend, surely will miss everything about you especially those lengthy calls we had and laugh our lungs out together, Rest well Mphephetse”.
Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Development Officer Banele Masondo also had something to say.
“Press briefings will no longer be the same. Rest in Peace our own Pitso.”
Respected basketball coach Penga Vunga said, “Who will I laugh with when I walk in town, who will tell me about the history of soccer, who will be saying to me ‘le Manchester United yakho, sale iba ye Manchester City’. The Country has lost a hero, R.I.P my brother, my hero, a father and the sports world will miss you.”
Eswatini Cricket Association vice president Delisa Malinga said, “The terrible thing about the passing of a sports coach is that you lose Terabytes of knowledge on athlete development.. RIP Thabo “Koki” Vilakati.”
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