The South African football fraternity has paid glowing tributes to Pretoria Callies and Orlando Pirates legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe, who passed away on Wednesday.
The legendary player breathed his last at his home in Atteridgeville, Pretoria and having dazzled with football skills in the 1970s and 1980s, earning the name “The God of football,” South Africa celebrated one of its greatest sons.
Mamelodi Sundowns, whose Atteridgeville Super Stadium was named after Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe, eulogised the former player, terming him a great fan who walked with them over the years by turning out to watch matches.
“The chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of football legend Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe,” Sundowns said in their tribute.
“Aptly nicknamed Modimo Wa Bolo (Football God), Mr Moripe was a marvel and is considered one of the greatest footballers. Masterpieces lived for football and was a consistent feature at Mamelodi Sundowns matches in Atteridgeville at the stadium that was named after him and at Loftus Stadium.
Football fraternity mourn Moripe
We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens his family, friends, and everyone that knew him. The legacy, life, and memory of the beloved Masterpieces Moripe will live on beyond our time.”
SAFA, meanwhile, eulogised Moripe for laying the foundation for South African football.
“A legend has fallen. Thank you Ntate Lucas “Masterpiece” Moripe for laying the foundation for what we know as the sport of the people “football”. May your soul rest in peace,” SAFA posted on social media.
SuperSport United, also based in Moripe’s home city of Pretoria, sent tributes for the fallen player and so were Magesi FC.
“Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and football fraternity during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Matsatsantsa.
Magesi FC posted: “Magesi Football Club would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lucas ‘Masterpieces' Moripe. The South African football fraternity is poorer…”
“Masterpieces” celebrated beyond football
The tributes went beyond football with the Economic Fighters Freedoms party terming Moripe a “football genius whose legacy transcends generations.”
“Starting his illustrious career with Pretoria Callies in 1971, Moripe cemented his name in history when in 1973, his unmatched skill and brilliance saw him crowned the National Professional Soccer League’s Player of the Year,” the EFF posted on X.
“Regarded as one of the greatest players the country has ever produced, Moripe earned the title of “The God of Football” from his fans in the 1970s. His talent later took him to Caroline Hill in Hong Kong, where he continued to shine on the international stage. Moripe’s name remains immortalised with the naming of the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
“The EFF sends condolences to his family, loved ones, and the football community. We honour his extraordinary contributions to South African football, which continue to inspire many.”
Moripe started his career in 1971 with the Callies before he was crowned Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year in 1973 after an impressive performance for the NPSL Invitation XI against a selected British All Stars XI.
He joined Orlando Pirates in 1981 but could not unleash his full potential as he was already suffering from a knee injury, which forced him to retire shortly after.
