Mbabane: Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga has led condolences for dearly departed top football coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati.
Vilakati succumbed to the novel Coronavirus related sickness on the early hours of Friday morning. He will reportedly be laid to rest on Saturday at his parental home in Nsenga.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs learnt with great sadness of the passing of legendary sportsman Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati. Bulunga was a former colleague of Vilakati in football as they were both top coaches.
First as a referee and later as a serial title winning coach in local football, Vilakati has left an unforgettable legacy on the entire sporting fraternity in Eswatini.
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“His winning mentality and contagious charisma will live long in the memory of all who witnessed his immense and historic contribution to local football,” Bulunga said.
“The Ministry joins the rest of the nation in sending sincere condolences to Vilakati’s family, friends and former colleagues as well as the entire sporting fraternity.
We pray that God comforts all who have been devastated by this tragic loss.
We are comforted by the knowledge that Vilakati’s contribution to local sport will be felt for generations. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the former senior national team, Sihlangu coach.
Vilakati had coach almost all top sides in elite football at the time of his passing with stints at boyhood club Mbabane Highlanders, Mbabane Swallows, Manzini Wanderers, Manzini Sundowns, Young Buffaloes, Green Mamba and Malanti Chiefs among others.
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