The football fraternity and the Khayelitsha community is still reeling in shock and disbelief after a promising soccer boss was gunned down over the weekend.

 Sakhele “Sakie” Aba, founding manager and coach of U&I Football Club, was fatally shot in Makhaza on Saturday night – just hours after guiding his side to an 8-1 demolition of Baymont FC, to strengthen their grip on the top spot in the Mandela Park LFA Premier League.

Mandela Park LFA leadership expressed their dismay and condolences, saying the football fraternity and sport in general have been dealt with a huge blow by Aba’s killing. 

“We are still very shocked and cannot believe that Sakie is no more. It’s an unbearable pain that will take very long to heal,” according to a statement by the LFA.

 As the LFA noted, Aba had been running his club, single-handedly at times, for over a decade – and his hard work had begun to yield promising results, particularly over the last two seasons.

 “There was a good progression in his team and now this happens. He had told himself that he would go all out to win the league this season. He managed to bring together quality players who are good enough to win the title for him.

“As the LFA, we are deeply hurt by Mr Aba’s death. It is a huge loss not only to his family and his club, but to the community of Khayelitsha as a whole. We would like to pass our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and to the U&I football club”.

According to police spokesman, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, police found the bodies of two men who had sustained gunshot wounds to the body in Tutu Avenue, Makhaza.

 “The victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects who fled the scene in an undisclosed direction are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is unknown. Harare police are investigating two counts of murder.”

 Police have appealed to anyone with information on Aba’s death to help by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Edited by Nicklaus Kruger