Monday 23 December 2024:- The South African Communist Party (SACP) pays tribute to former Kaizer Chiefs legend, Jackie 'Asinamali' Masike, and conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire footballing fraternity of our country.
One of the most respected central defenders our country has ever seen, Masike commanded respect in the South African footballing fraternity during his heydays in the 1970s and 1980s, his popularity and influence spilling throughout the African continent notwithstanding the suppressive policies of the apartheid system which was later dislodged by the liberation movement.
Masike was amongst the pioneers who contributed to the establishment of the legendary Kaizer Chiefs in 1970, making it a powerhouse in South African football. His contribution in the midfield, characterised by his tough tackling and commanding presence on the field, was instrumental in the team’s successes during the 1970s and 1980s.
In honour to the rich football heritage he left our country, including future generations, the leadership of the Premier Soccer League has directed that moments of silence shall be observed in all football games in the next two weeks of South Africa’s premiership football, a befitting tribute to a legend who deserves all the accolades due to him.
Just like the likes of Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe, Pule "Ace" Ntsoelenge, Cedric "Sugar Ray" Xulu, Jomo Sono, Joel "Ace" Mnini, and many others, legends like Masike were denied their right to fully showcase their skills to the world due to the apartheid regime’s suppression of Black sports stars. The apartheid system, a crime against humanity condemned by the United Nations, ensured to systematically destroy African talent, a legacy against which the SACP continues to fight.
In paying tribute to Jackie ‘Asinamali’ Masike, the SACP calls for a radical approach towards the development of sports in South Africa. We call for the departments of sports and education, as well as sports development agencies across our country, to reach out to the townships and rural areas to develop sports. We make the further call for our public broadcaster, the SABC, to make, as part of its primary goals, the showcasing of the best of South African developmental football.
Issued by the South African Communist Party,
Founded in 1921 as the Communist Party of South Africa.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo, Central Committee Member
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