Times Of Swaziland: FOOTBALL MOURNS ‘SIGIDI’ HLATJWAKO

FOOTBALL MOURNS ‘SIGIDI’ HLATJWAKO
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Machawe Fakudze on 07/02/2025 08:55:00


MBABANE - The nation is in mourning again following the passing of football
legend Mandla ‘Sigidi’ Hlatjwako, a former defender for the now-defunct
Mhlambanyatsi Rovers.
Hlatjwako succumbed to a long illness on Monday night in Mahwalala, just outside
Mbabane. A family source expressed their deep sorrow, stating: “We had hoped
he would recover.”
This sentiment was echoed by one of his sons, who shared: “My father answered
the Lord’s call on Monday night after battling his illness for the past two
years.” Arrangements are being made for his funeral next weekend atMhlosheni,
Nhlangano, with the exact date to be announced.
Hlatjwako’s death follows closely on the heels of the passing of Fanie ‘The
General’ Terblanche, further deepening the grief within the football
community.
Former Manzini Wanderers striker Michael ‘Scara’ Gama hailed Hlatjwako as
one of the finest defenders, instrumental in elevating Rovers to prominence from
1978 onwards. Gama reminisced about the era when Rovers and Wanderers were the
only teams competing against South African sides, featuring legends like Jomo
Sono and Ace Ntsoelengoe.