Ditlhake Masters to retire Michael Nkambule’s number 17 shirt

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule will be honoured by Ditlhake Masters, who plan to retire the number 17 shirt he wore for the team.

The South African football community was mourning last week after Nkambule died following a car accident. He was returning from a Ditlhake Masters match, in which he had played, when the crash occurred. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital and was buried this past weekend.

Ditlhake Masters team manager Thabiso ‘Skapie’ Malatsi, who also plays for the side, confirmed that the club intends to ensure no other player wears Nkambule’s number.

“We have really lost but he is still part of the Ditlhake family, he will always be part of the family, that is why as the Team Manager I spoke with the Chairman (Lebo Ditlhake) that his jersey number 17 we’re suspending it,” Malatsi said.

“Even at his funeral we had his jersey which was signed by all the players (at Ditlhake Masters). It’s a big loss, I don’t know when we’re going to be okay but it is God who knows. I’m deeply saddened.

“Even when we were training, the number 17 we put aside, we’re planning to retire it. We don’t want anyone else to put number 17,” Malatsi revealed.

Nkambule’s death has prompted tributes from across South African football. At his funeral, a number 17 Ditlhake Masters shirt signed by his team-mates was displayed as a mark of respect.

The Masters team includes several well-known figures from South African football, among them Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela, Manqoba ‘Shakes’ Ngwenya, Junior Khanye, Innocent Mdledle, Vuyo Mere, Lerato Chabangu, Sipho Nunens, Thuso Phala and Sifiso Myeni.

Malatsi, himself a former Chiefs attacker, also thanked the wider football community, churches and local residents for the support shown to Nkambule’s family and friends.

“I would like to thank the Chairman, his (Nkambule) father, the community, ‘Skopo’ his father figure, Junior Khanye, as you know they were working together, everyone across South Africa who came,” Malatsi went on.

“Itumeleng Khune, I want to thank him also, the ZCC church and other churches pastors, EFF, we come a long way with Nkambule,” the saddened Malatsi added.

Nkambule was a former junior international and wore the famous number 10 shirt during his time with Kaizer Chiefs. He also played for Strasbourg, SuperSport United, Sivutsa Stars and Black Leopards.

He later represented Roses United before retiring from football in 2013. His involvement with Ditlhake Masters came after his professional playing career, with the team featuring a number of former South African football stars.