Former Orlando Pirates and Pretoria Callies legend Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe is no more. Moripe, who stood out among his peers in the 1970s, passed away yesterday at his home in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria.

HEARTFELT TRIBUTES

Mamelodi Sundowns has sent condolences to Moripe's family and friends. "Aptly nicknamed Modimo Wa Bolo (Football God), Mr Moripe was a marvel and is considered one of the greatest footballers. Masterpieces lived for football and was a consistent feature at Mamelodi Sundowns matches in Atteridgeville at the stadium that was named after him and at Loftus Stadium," the club said in a statement. Supersport United, which also used Masterpieces Moripe Stadium as their home ground, have sent their condolences to the Moripe family. "Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe."We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and football fraternity during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace," they wrote on X.

HONOURED

Moripe was honoured with Pretoria's Atteridgeville's Super Stadium being renamed Lucas Moripe Stadium in 2010. Recently, he regularly attended Mamelodi Sundowns matches at the same venue, although he was wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke a few years ago. The "God of Football", as Moripe was popularly known in the 70s, was awarded the National Professional Soccer League's most coveted award as Player of the Year in 1973. His talent saw him being recruited to play for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong for a short while.