July 30th, 2013 will be recorded as one of the saddest days in the history of Kaizer Chiefs following the passing on of stalwart, China Ngema. Following a long illness, Mr. Ngema (79) subsequently suffered from a stroke and was admitted to the Newcastle Clinic for three weeks.

Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman, Kaizer Motaung, who has known the late Mr Ngema for the past 50 years, paid tribute to the man that was affectionately known in football circles by his clan name, ‘Madlokovu’.

After learning of the sad news of Mr. Ngema’s passing, Motaung has expressed a message of condolence on behalf of his family and the Kaizer Chiefs fraternity from the Club’s HQ in Naturena; “I have known Mr. Ngema since 1960 when I played for Orlando Pirates as a youngster and he was a prominent supporter of the Club.

I became very close to him when the late Ewert Nene took over as Team Manager at Orlando Pirates. Mr. Ngema was amongst the founding members of Kaizer Chiefs during its formation. He became the Chairman of the Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Club and played an immense role in setting up the Club supporters’ structures and he served on the Kaizer Chiefs board for many years. He was known for his organisational skills, his ability to mobilize people and service to his community. He was also a hard worker, after gaining extensive experience in the baking industry, his entrepreneurial spirit endeared and he opened a very successful bakery in Soweto.

He was an outgoing person who always made his presence felt. He was a man with a strong personality and was passionate about his love for the Club and people.”

Mr Motaung who was visibly affected following the sad departure of the Club’s stalwart continued; “We are deeply saddened by the passing on of Mr. Ngema. He had already retired but remained an integral part of us here at the Village.

He was a strong pillar of the Club and made an immense contribution to the journey here at Kaizer Chiefs. He will be remembered as one of the people who contributed to the development of football in this country.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Club to express our sincere gratitude to the family for affording us an opportunity to interact with him all these years. Theirs is to continue with the legacy he has left behind.

On behalf of Kaizer Chiefs we send our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Ngema family, friends and associates. We are going to miss him dearly as we were blessed to have him in our midst,” added Motaung.