A tribute to ‘The Godfather’
Ashford Mamelodi | Saturday July 6, 2024 10:05
Although we all knew that he was not well in the recent past, his passing still landed like a cruel blow when it broke. I have known Matshidiso Saxton Kowa for the last 50 years. We met initially when he was at Molefi Secondary School and I was then at Gaborone Secondary School. When he moved to Gaborone Secondary School for his senior school we played together in the school team. When he went to play for Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC, I continued my football at Black Peril FC. 'Tshidi' was unrivalled as a top-class goalkeeper in Botswana whose love for football ran deep.
He was also the regular goalkeeper for the Zebras, a team that he later coached. Away from football, 'Tshidi' was an avid dog breeder. After his playing days, 'Tshidi' devoted his time to coaching and later started his own Club Flamengo Desportos. Although he trained as a coach in Germany amongst other places, he related a lot with Argentinian football. He loved the South American flair of football. It came as no surprise that the colours of Flamengo Desportos FC were similar to those of the Argentinian national team. The club later merged with Gabane Santos FC and became known as Flamengo Santos FC which he co-owned with Mokganedi Molefe, another football leader of note, who was a founder of Gabane Santos FC.
The recent promotion to the Botswana Premier League of Flamengo Santos FC was in retrospect like a final farewell to its co-founder and the legendary ‘Godfather.’ He was visibly proud of a club that he founded making its way back to the Premier League. By the time he passed on, ‘Bones’ as some of his friends referred to him had left his mark on Botswana football where he produced many quality players and coaches, some of whom have donned the national colours.
He will be sadly missed not only by his wife and children together with the rest of the family, but also by his many friends and colleagues from football. Rest in peace Kgabo, until we meet again. Thomo ya gago o e weditse!
*Ashford Mamelodi is a former FIFA development officer who enjoyed a close relationship with Kowa.