Former Kaizer Chiefs director Wilfred ‘China’ Ngema passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 79.

Ngema, who played a vital role in the early years of Chiefs, was admitted to hospital two weeks ago after suffering a stroke. According to family spokesperson Jeff Mazibuko, funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized.

“Mr Ngema sadly passed on at 4am this morning and the family is still in shock,” Mazibuko tells KickOff.com.

“Mr Ngema had three houses, in Soweto, KwaNongoma and Newcastle. But all the work will be done here in Newcastle because this is where he was staying.”

Former KICK OFF Magazine sub-editor Cyril McAravey, who was also instrumental in the formation of Chiefs, describes Ngema as a hard worker. “I’ve known China for than 50 years and he was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever known,” he says.

“While others were busy stealing the limelight, China was in the background doing all the hard work, organising and transporting players. The man epitomizes the phrase ‘for the love of the game’ because he didn’t do things for money.

“I want people to know that China was not only instrumental at Kaizer Chiefs, but in football as a whole. May his soul rest in peace.”
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