Ex-Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Papi Khomane passes away in car accident
Papi’s father, Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane told City Press that the retired defender passed away in a car accident on Saturday.
Johannes disclosed that Papi’s mother, Rita Khomane, and another passenger, who also died, were on their way to KwaZulu Natal when the accident happened.
They were scheduled to attend a funeral in the third-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Newcastle.
PIRATES STATEMENT
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing away of former captain Papi Khomane,” a club statement read.
“The Club was informed by his father and another Bucs legend, Yster Khomane who confirmed that both his son and his wife Mrs Rita Khomane were involved in a motor vehicle accident today.
“Papi was a man of few words, but his presence on the pitch spoke volumes. His transformation from a quiet individual into a formidable leader during games was nothing short of inspirational.”
DID YOU KNOW
Papi spent nine years with Pirates after joining the Soweto giants from Jomo Cosmos in 1998.
A member of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2000 Afcon finals, Papi made over 150 appearances for Bucs and also captained the club.
His father also played for the Buccaneers in the late 70s and they were one of the rare father-son duos in the club’s history
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PIRATES?
The Buccaneers will be inactive for just over a week after they dropped points on Saturday – drawing with a stubborn Richards Bay side in Durban.
The draw saw the Buccaneers slip down to the eighth spot on the PSL standings and they are scheduled to take on Moroka Swallows on December 5.