Chairman Kaizer Motaung has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Kaizer Chiefs legend Kito Petrus ‘Ten-Ten’ Nzimande this afternoon. The former midfielder, who played for Amakhosi in the seventies, recently had a stroke and never recovered.

“Words cannot express how distraught I felt upon hearing this news,” Motaung comments. “I have known Ten-Ten since he joined Kaizer’s XI in late 1969. He was not only a great teammate during the time that he played for Chiefs, we were good friends as well.”

“He was not a big talker,” Motaung continues, “but on the field he led with his actions. He was very strong and a player everybody looked up to.”

The defensive midfielder, who could also play as a centre-back, participated in Kaizer Chiefs’ first Soweto Derby on 24 January 1970, 17 days after the foundation of the club on 7 January 1970. Nzimande scored a goal. Amakhosi eventually lost the match 6-4.

Nzimande, who was also nicknamed ‘Gentle Giant’, played for the Glamour Boys from 1970 until 1978, while having earlier already joined Kaizer’s XI. He was part of the side that won Chiefs’ first ever league title in 1974, scoring two goals.

“On behalf of the Club and my family I wish the Nzimande family strength during these challenging times,” Motaung concludes. “My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends.”

Nzimande was born on 26 May 1947. He was 69-years-old.

Our memories of Ten-Ten will live forever in our history books and our hearts.

May his soul rest in the eternal peace!