Hundreds of mourners gathered at Tshisahulu village on Saturday, 9 May, to bid farewell to former Shayandima Bobs Stars icon Ivy Mathuba, during a funeral that celebrated his contribution to football, education and community development.
The ceremony was attended by former teammates, football lovers, church members, traditional leaders and residents from across the Vhembe region. It followed a memorial service held at Calvary Christian Church Tshifulanani on Friday, 8 May.
Mathuba was remembered as one of the finest football talents from the area, and a disciplined leader who used sport to steer young people away from crime and substance abuse.
Delivering his message of condolence, Thovhele Vho Thivhulawi Makumbane said the community had lost more than a football icon.
“We are not just burying a footballer today, we are burying a hero of the community. Mathuba carried the name of Tshisahulu with pride wherever he went. Despite his achievements, he remained humble and continued encouraging young people to focus on sport, education and discipline,” said Vho Makumbane.
He added that Mathuba had left a significant void through his leadership and service.
“Even after retiring from active football and working as an educator, he never stopped assisting people with educational matters. He also served the community diligently as deputy chairperson of SANCO,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his sister Lucy Mathoni said they were overwhelmed by the support shown.
“Even though he was our brother at home, he belonged to the people. Football was his life and he gave it everything,” she said.
Mathuba began his football career as a goalkeeper for Tshisahulu Home Defenders in 1973 before rising to prominence in 1976 when Shayandima Secondary School defeated Tlakula High School at Shayandima Stadium, popularly known as Pali.
He later became a respected defender for Bobs Stars, inspiring generations of young footballers across Vhembe.