The Chairman Kaizer Motaung has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Kaizer Chiefs legend Herman ‘Pelé’ Blaschke this afternoon, after a heart attack.

“I am deeply saddened and words cannot express how distraught I am upon hearing this news,” Motaung commented. “I have known Pelé since we spotted his talent when we, Kaizer XI, toured his native country, Namibia, in 1969.”

The attacker was part of the squad when Kaizer Chiefs was formed on 7 January 1970.

Kaizer Chiefs recently honoured Pelé with the Chairman's Award and he made regular appearances at Amakhosi events.

“I last saw him when we celebrated the Club’s 46th year anniversary in January,” Motaung says, mentioning an anniversary celebration in Phefeni. “I played alongside him. We used to call him ‘Chi Chi’, because he often came off the bench to change the game.”

“On behalf of the Club and my family I wish the Blaschke family the peace of the Almighty Lord to be with them during this time,” Motaung concluded. “My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends.”

Blaschke was 67-years-old at the time of his passing.

May his soul rest in the eternal peace!