Family of former Orlando Pirates defender pleads for funeral support

By Boitumelo Tshehle

Additional reporting by Omphile Mokwena

Former professional soccer player Lucas Tlhomelang

The family of former professional soccer player Lucas Tlhomelang has appealed to the public for urgent support ahead of his funeral today  in Pudimoe village, outside Taung, after his sudden death last week following a prolonged battle with a brain tumour.

Tlhomelang, 49, who grew up in Huhudi township near Vryburg, rose through the ranks to play as a defender in South Africa’s professional leagues. His career included spells with Orlando Pirates, Bloemfontein Celtic, Jomo Cosmos and the Mpumalanga Black Aces, where he retired before dedicating himself to community upliftment.

Friends and family say the former left-back had been in rehabilitation for several months due to complications from the brain tumour and a long hospital stay. Despite positive signs of recovery earlier, his health deteriorated, leaving his loved ones devastated by the news of his passing.

In an emotional statement, his sister Phemelo Tlhomelang said the family is overwhelmed and struggling to cope. “Lucas was a father, brother and mentor to many. He gave his life to this community and now we are struggling to give him a proper farewell. We urgently need assistance, groceries, a cow for the ceremony, or any support anyone can provide,” she said.

The Tlhomelang household was also caring for Lucas’s two young children ,a son and a daughter, who have lost their father at a tender age.

Residents of Pudimoe and surrounding areas have expressed shock that no government officials or representatives from his former clubs have visited the family since his death.

“It’s shocking that even after death announcement no one decided to come here, where is Orlando pirates, where are other football clubs he had played for.” Asked his sister.

Tlhomelang was widely respected not just for his professional career but for his grassroots work through a soccer foundation he established to nurture young talent and steer youth away from drugs and alcohol. His contribution to community upliftment did not go unnoticed. He was recently honoured by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for his efforts to keep schoolchildren off the streets through sport-based initiatives.

His funeral will take place at Pudimoe village this Saturday, with family and community members urging the football fraternity to pay their respects.