Thabang ‘Banda’ Lebese, former midfielder at Kaizer Chiefs was laid to rest on Friday, 02 March 2012 at the Westpark cemetrey.

‘Chillies’ as Lebese was sometimes known in football circles died last week after long sickness.

Speakers among them, Football Manager, Bobby Motaung, Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula, Jimmy Tau, friend Molefi Ntsoelengoe spoke fondly of the sometimes ‘naughty’ Thabang who thrilled millions of people with his goals and celebrations.

Kaizer Chiefs was well represented at the funeral with the likes of Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung, Supporters Relations Manager Cecil Motaung, Brand Manager Dara Carroll, Media Relations Officer Luthando Zibeko, Legends; Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Shakes Khungwane, Thabo Mooki, Fetsi Molatedi, Abel Shongwe, Albert Bwalya, Frank Makua, Brain Baloyi, Pollen Ndlanya and many others coming to pay respects to the Orlando East born who joined Kaizer Chiefs in 1993.

The current generations of players captains; Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Motaung JNR, Tlou Molekwane, George Lebese and Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala came through to give Thabang Lebese a dignified send off.

There were other dignitaries including former teammates at Ria Stars, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows. The fans blew vuvuzela’s and sang on top of their voices as Lebese who represented the Glamour Boys was laid to rest in his final home.

Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula revealed that Thabang Lebese will be honoured with a ‘Dinner’ with profits going to his family.