With Bernard Parker having recently visited South African football icon Lucas 'Masterpieces' Moripe, here are six things you should know about about the widely celebrated legend.
The story
Earlier this week, TS Galaxy star Parker paid a special vist to Moripe's home to honour the football great for his massive contribution to SA football. Parker was seen awarding the Moripe with a two soccer jerseys, including what seems to be his Bafana Bafana shirt at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
However, with important bits of soccer history seemingly fading at time, it's important to reflect on the legends that paved the way for modern footballers like Parker to shine.
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Here are six things you should know about the iconic Moripe:
1. The Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed in honour of him.
The multi-purpose sports venue with a capacity of nearly 30 000 seasts was renamed to the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in 2010, honoring the former star for his contribution to football in Pretoria and the country. Today, it is a part-time homeground for Mamelodi Sundowns, who also use the Loftus Versveld Stadium as an alternative home. During the World Cup in 2010, the German national team used to as their training ground, as they would go on to finish third at the tournament.
2. He was called "The God of Football"
According to South African History Online, Moripe was considered the best footballer in the country during his heyday in the early 1970s. He is said to have been admired for his incredible ball playing ability, as he was known to envoke fear in defenders and goalkeepers, with fans touting him the "The God of Football".
3. Sundowns treated him like royalty
Although there's no record of Moripe ever representing Masandawana, Moripe previously revealed that he used to receive special treatment from the Chloorkop outfit when attending games. In 2010, he told the Sowetan: "They reserve me a seat in the VIP area and there is also a car that ferries me to and from the stadium for every match. They do everything for me and that makes me very happy. Interacting with players also makes me happy and strong because they remind me of my heyday."
4. He left school aged 13
Following the the unfortunate death of his father, who was a labourer, a 13-year-old Moripe had to leave school and start working as a delivery boy, as per the Los Angeles Times. He would play soccer during his spare time and quickly built a repuatation as one of the most talented children in his apartheid-stricken community. It said that he started to gain extreme notoriety, with many people filling up stadiums whenever he was playing.
5. He had a stint in Hong Kong
The former playmaker spent several years playing in Hong Kong for Caroline Hills, but he reportedly didn't flourish abroad due to the communication barrier he had in a new country. Moripe's English is believed to have not been good at the time, therefore making it difficult for him to communicate with his teammates and staff. This prompted a return to Mzansi after asking to be released.
6. He suffered a stroke after retirement
His career is reportedly came to an underwhelming end, as a persistent knee injury would limit his time playing for Orlando Pirates in 1981. However, he would later suffer a mild stroke after hanging up his boots and he now uses a wheelchair following an operation he had at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, according to South African History Online.
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