Diminutive midfield maestro, dribbling wizard, goal creator, former teacher and prolific goal poacher for the then MTD Copper Stars and Tshipako Black Leopards, Thomas Mukwevho, died at the age of 70 after a long illness at his home in Thohoyandou on Saturday, 18 April.
Fondly known as “Tokyo” in soccer circles in the 1980s, his football career started at an early age at the small mining compound of Harper Mine, where he joined a local team and played until he was spotted by MTD Copper Stars, who recruited talented players from various teams in Musina.
Tokyo, together with players such as Phillip “Ace” Kabota, Andrew “Drrr” Hlambembela, Simon Ncube, Samuel “Chipa” Ramabulana, Victor “Immigration” Manganye, Martin Kabota and Boy Boy Hlambela, became part of the second generation of players to don the jersey of MTD Copper Stars.
MTD played in the then Zambuk League, the second division of the now-defunct National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). In a promotion play-off to the first division, the team defeated Pretoria Callies 1–0.
Tokyo was recruited to Tshipako Black Leopards by Mr Zacharia Mathelemusa, where he played a vital role in the team’s success. At Leopards, he shared the field with players such as Ace Mawela, Tshisamphiri Madima, Nana Masase, Pele Sithole, Pro Senyosi, Ace Ramabulana, G1 Mbewe and Pele Likhade.
His long-time teammate Nana Masase said Tokyo was a visionary footballer who was very quick on the ball. “Tokyo was a disciplined man who loved entertaining people with his God-given talent on the field of play. He was a humble man, full of respect for other people, and a man who hated the use of drugs with all his heart,” said Masase.
Family representative Candy Mukwevho said the family was proud to have produced one of the most valued members of the community. She said they acknowledged the role Tokyo played in uplifting the standard of soccer and education in the local community.
Mukwevho will be buried on Friday, 24 April, at Mbaleni cemetery.