As an ode to his influence in the world of football and the country, Orlando Pirates FC legend Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala will be laid to rest on the late iconic Nelson Mandela's birthday. His family explained that choosing Nelson Mandela Day was a tribute to the football hero, who shared the same values of unity, transformation and perseverance.

A HERO

The legend's funeral service will take place at 9:00 AM at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, followed by a procession to Heroes Acre at Westpark Cemetery, his final resting place. Tshabalala passed away at 75 years old at a Johannesburg hospital on 11 July. His family announced in a statement that he succumbed to the injuries sustained when he was shot. The Tshabalala family still awaits the post-mortem report to determine whether or not the case can be changed from attempted murder to murder, despite no arrests been made.

THE ROBBERY

Tshabalala was shot during a suspected burglary at his home in Centurion in March when three armed suspects entered his home with firearms and sharp objects and held him and his family at gunpoint. At the time, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects shot him and took laptops and cellphones at the house. "Police have opened a case of house robbery and attempted murder for investigation,' he explained.