GOGO’S PRAYERS SAVED US FROM RELEGATION – ‘MAGAWUGAWU’

MBABANE – The late Moneni Pirates Head Catherine Matsenjwa played a key role in the club’s survival from relegation in the recently ended season.

Veteran Captain Menzi ‘Ma-gawugawu’ Simelane said their leader, known as Gogo Matsenjwa, was always in prayer, as she was a staunch Christian, who prayed for the team to stay afloat. Pirates had a tough 2023/24 MTN Premier League, surviving by a single point. ‘Magawugawu’ and the Moneni Pirates said it was a sad loss for the club. This was during the memorial service held at the historic ground at Moneni yesterday, where the ‘Sea Robbers’ were born.

Together

Pirates were established by Ngungunyane Matsenjwa, aiming to bring together the youth of the Moneni Township in the outskirts of Manzini. Before the club was taken over by Matsenjwa, it was known as Blue Birds Football Club. In 1967, the club’s name changed to Moneni Pirates FC, inspired by the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates. In his speech on behalf of the players, Simelane attributed Gogo Matsenjwa’s prayers to their relegation survival and protection from accidents. ‘It is a sad loss for us because she was our parent to whom we would report all difficulties and could get support. She was a strong believer of prayer, and we once escaped an accident on our way to Nhlangano to play against Nsingizini. It was her prayers that protected us and we couldn’t have survived relegation if it wasn’t for her prayers,’ the seasoned player said.

Deceased

Meanwhile, Telephone Dlamini speaking on behalf of the club said the deceased supported the club in various ways. ‘It’s disheartening that we have lost our beloved mother. She kept her husband’s legacy alive and we knew we had a home. We believe the football spirit will live on, and despite the loss, we believe the children will welcome us,’ Dlamini said. It is worth noting that over 200 mourners joined the Matsenjwa family in mourning during the memorial service. Gogo Matsenjwa will be laid to rest this morning at Moneni after a short prayer service at the Matsenjwa homestead at 4am.

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