Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Jabulane Mendu will be out of action this week following the news of the death of his father, the late Thomas Mailula (48), who died on Friday, 7th May 2004, in hospital after a long illness.

Speaking from the club headquarters in Naturena, Communications Manager Putco Mafani said they were shocked by the news of the death of Mendu’s father. "We received with shock the sad news of the death of Jabu’s father. We know what pain it is for him and his family at the moment and our hearts are with them and they are in our prayers.

"It is through the debris of pain and hopelessness that we find strength and hope in our Creator, the Almighty God. His loss is ours but we find solace in the knowledge that ‘God shall wipe away all tears’ one day and ‘there will be no more sorrows, no more tears and no more dying’ for those who die in the Lord. May his departed soul rest in peace," said Mafani.

Mafani said the club had decided to release Mendu from the camp preparing for the Supersport game on Wednesday, 12 May 2004.

His father will be buried on Saturday, 15 May 2004 at the Vosloorus cemetery and his last service will commence at 08H00 at the Vosloorus Civic Center.

The Amakhosi Male Choir will lead church hymns and render some soothing gospel tunes to comfort the mourners.

To the family of Mailula and Mendu, Amakhosi say "Akuhlanga lungehlanga, myekeni alale ngoxolo"