In memory of football’s 12th player

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Lucretia Chima

Location : GABORONE

Event : Obituary

From a village without a stadium and the son of farmers, Sam Modise Rakgowa changed people`s perception about the national football team, the Zebras, with his undying support.

Samito, as he was fondly called by some of his peers, was among the first people who showed that for a team to succeed it needed the twelfth player - the supporter.

When together with his colleagues Samito formed the Zebras Supporters Club most people thought they were crazy especially that they walked around clad in nappies or colourful mini-skirts and make-up.

To some of us it did not make sense! But it was their undying support that saw the Zebras shed their weeping Boys tag as the team started recording impressive performnces. Modise and his colleagues were not deterred when the Zebras lost.

They saw beyond what the eyes of many could not see. Their support was noted by the international media.

Samito aka Makhuromola was born on June 11 1978 in Mokokwana village in Tswapong. He lost his mother at a tender age. He did part of his primary education in his village but later moved to the city for better care.

While at Diphetogo Primary School, Sam showed his love for football. Although he had a heart for the sport, he never made the team because he was bow legged. He was always on the bench, something I guess sharpened his knowledge of football.

After his junior certificate, he went on to study animal artificial insemination at Ramatlabama though he never put his skills to good use as he later joined Friendly Groceries from 1999 until 2006 when he left to join the Botswana National Sports Council.

Having accepted that he could not play, he knew he could play a role from the stands - as a supporter. A staunch supporter of Township Rollers, he met some of his kind such as City who challenged most spectators to rally behind their own teams.

It was the likes of Sam who made people call Popa, team ya maTswapong because most of his homeboys support it as well. 

During the Zebras games, some would act as police officers, nurses and you name them. It is their unique regalia that captured the atention of Batswana to support the Zebras. His passion saw him establishing a Township Rollers women`s team in 2007 which he also became its coach. 

In 2013, he formed Township Rollers supporters` branch in Gabane and his intention was to roll out the concept to other places before he succumbed to death. Samito passed on in Pretoria where he was expected to undergo cardiac operation. He is survived by his father, three brothers and a sister. He was laid to rest in his home village.

LAST WORDS

It is common that when people pass on, we pay our last respect by shedding tears and wearing sad faces, a sign of mourning, not forgeting the positive things we say about the departed souls.

This was not the case at Sam Modise Makhurumola`s memorial service at the National Stadium and at Lynns funeral Parlour. It was all laughter as different speakers paid him tribute.

His aunt Kebaabetswe Tupane

Makhurumola was passionate about football though his legs denied him an opportunity to showcase his skill. His deeds surpassed many of his age. Sam o ne a lebelelwa ha Zebras e tshameka, go lebelelwa ene e seng motshameko.

He used to tell us that when he dies, his friends will outnumber the Mochicken residents, a fond name for the village. Indeed, we now understand the power of his words. He could analyse the game intensely and knew every player. His only crime was stealing balls.

BNSC chairperson Solly Reikeletseng

He was a true representation of what we are looking for, thus sportsperson. Sports is a thankless job. Sportspersons are not extra ordinary but different people, some want to quit but passion halts them.

This one is a volunteer and a fan. 2/3 of true sports lovers have cried at stadiums. Supporters have power on sport especially football, some of the companies consider the number of followers the team has when they award sponsorships. I urge you to organise yourselves as you are vital in the success of sport.

My last words to this man who we are gathered here for: in 2012 Sam was seated by the reception and when he saw me he said “Tsatsi leno re ya go e betsa Nico”. But because of my position I just kept quiet but today I want to say what I would have said then: “my blood is not red but blue. Ke tsholetswe mo lapeng la MaPopa a popota.”  

His colleague Letlhogonolo Letlole 

Sam`s passing on is a loss the sport fraternity. Never seen one so passionate like him, his love for sport was so encouraging. He was such a character. I remember when we went to South Africa to play with our national sports council counterparts in South Africa.

So, we had a chilling session on arrival, so the following day I tried to wake Sam up. He blatantly told me that he wants appearance fee, and said these are the things players always complain about.

He told me to tell Malebo Raditladi to pay appearance fees first, I then realised that he was tired and we left him sleeping. He put a smile on our faces with his jokes.

Zebras Supporters club rep Ms Bothamo Boitumelo

Sam has passed on but has left a legacy. To some, he was just a small men but a great person to the sport fraternity. You can see the masses that he led. He rallied behind the Zebras with all his heart and he was one person who deserved an award for his sterling job. Let the awards not be dedicated to certain employees but be extended to individuals such as this one. True Story, as he used to say he lived for the nation.  

Cousin-Unami Tupane

Bugina knew that he was about to depart this world because he had been telling us that Morupule B is about to go off, (referring to his heart). One day they went to watch a game and Burkina Faso was playing with another team and the name fascinated him. Since he was somebody who liked sharing sport news, he told us about how impressive Bugina was, and we later learnt that he meant Burkina, so we started calling him Bugina and he would respond by saying Faso.

BFA President Tebogo Sebego

Samito was passionate about football. At some event where modelled some kits, Debswana Managing Director, Balisi Bonyongo, told me that he knew this man from somewhere. I asked him to look at Samito well, then he said I think he is a great footballer. (This left the mourners in stiches, given that Sam never played.) Samito played a big role in football and we will remember him for time to come. ENDS