"It is a sad day to lose Ted," lamented Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung upon receiving the news of the sudden passing on of the legendary Romanian born Ted Dumitru. The late Dumitru (76) passed away on Thursday afternoon. "Ted arrived for the first time after I recruited him to coach Chiefs in 1985."

Since his arrival in SA to coach Chiefs, the Ted coached Chiefs in 1985-88 and 2003-2005. "We achieved a lot under Ted winning several trophies in the 80s. The latest of the achievements came with a back to back 2003/4 and 2004/5 Premiership trophies," remembered Motaung.

"On behalf of Kaizer Chiefs in its entirety, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends, and football fraternity at large,"

expressed Motaung.

Dumitru served football with commitment. He coached Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and capping his role with a stint of coaching Bafana Bafana in 2005-2006.

"No words will express how we feel now," said Motaung. "May Ted's soul rest in peace."