Mbabane: Premier League of Eswatini executive member and Vovovo founder Sipho ’Tsetla’ Bhembe will be laid to rest tomorrow morning. According to an announcement by his family, Bhembe will be buried at his parental home, Engculwini (Luhlokohla) on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, after a short prayer at 4am. A memorial service will be held today at 2 pm at MDS Hall.
The football administrator is reported to have taken his last breath on Thursday evening at around 9pm whilst undergoing treatment at Lubombo Referral Hospital after he tested positive for COVID -19 on Monday. In a press statement, sent by his team, Vovovo Head of Marketing and Communications Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini said they were deeply saddened. “The entire Vovovo family is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Bhembe. He was an advocate for children, as well as a committed and highly respected man. Bhembe made an indelible mark on local football.”
The statement reads “We are committed to keeping his legacy of great service, personal relationships and outstanding stewardship alive and well. Another hallmark of his leadership was to ensure that we always remained professional at all times. As the management committee, we will continue what he has started and work hard to keep a smile on all that loved him within the football fraternity. That is from media houses, people he worked with at Sigwaca House, his employees, and most important his beloved family.”
“On behalf of the Management Committee, current and former players, supporters, and Managing Director, we would like to take this opportunity to salute you. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We pass our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his entire family. We thank you for giving us such a great man to lead such a formidable team.”
Meanwhile, the deceased played for the now-defunct C&M Sales and current National First Division side Umbelebele FC. Bhembe was co-director with businessman Mehluli Nhlengetfwa before he met his death.
