We, the Kaizer Chiefs family, are deeply saddened by the passing of former Chiefs player and administrator, Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala, on Thursday.

Screamer’s story will forever be intertwined with the history of the Club.

In 1969, at the age of 20, Tshabalala, who hails from Orlando East in Soweto, joined Kaizer XI when our Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung returned from playing for Atlanta Chiefs in the United States’ NASL. By that time, the Tshabalala family had moved to Phefeni, Orlando West, a few houses from the Motaung family home, which was also doubled as the Club house.

Screamer joined the Kaizer XI, along with some players and administrators who had been expelled by Orlando Pirates at the time. They included the likes of Thomas ‘Zero’ Johnson, Edward ‘Msomi’ Khoza, Ratha Mokgoatlheng and Ewert Nene.

He played with other greats too, such as Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, Eliakim ‘Pro’ Khumalo, Herman ‘Pele’ Blaschke, Vincent Julius and Jackie Masike.

He was also a founder member of Kaizer Chiefs when the Club was formed and formally registered on 7 January, 1970.

‘Bra Stan’, as Tshabalala was known by many in the football fraternity, was roped in to work as part of the Chiefs technical team on two occasions by Dr Motaung, with the last stint taking place between 1996 and 2001 when he was the Technical Director.

During his time in this role, he helped recruit youngsters and sign players that include Jabu Mahlangu (Pule), Cyril Nzama, Tony Ilodigwe, Nhlanhla Kubheka, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Patrick Mabedi, Stanton Fredericks, Rowen Fernandes, among others.

His contribution was evident when Chiefs won the interim League championship in 1996 (before the PSL era), the Rothmans Cup twice - in 1997 and 1998 - and the BobSave Super Bowl in 2000.

He worked for and coached Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates during his career.

He has contributed immensely to South African football and he will be remembered for being a wonderful story teller and hilarious impersonator. always full of laughs and jokes.

We convey our heartfelt condolences to the Tshabalala family during this painful period, as well as to to Orlando Pirates FC and the whole South African football community.

Robala ka kgotso Mocheku, ngwana Masetenane!