Soccer, community mourn Lolo’s death

Condolences poured in for fallen Ajax Cape Town defender, Cecil Sonwabile Lolo, after he was killed in a car crash.

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Condolences have poured in for Ajax Cape Town defender Cecil Sonwabile Lolo, who was killed in a car crash yesterday morning.

Lolo, 27, made his professional debut for Ajax Cape Town five years ago.

He reached the peak of his career when he was awarded man-of-the-match for his outstanding performance in the MTN8 final against Kaizer Chiefs last month.

Yesterday, a dark cloud loomed over E-section, at his home, as the community came to pay their last respects.

His mother was still in shock and had to be rushed to hospital, where she is reportedly in a stable condition.

A few houses away, a group of Ajax Cape Town Khayelitsha Branch supporters sang Lolo’s victory song “Ngu Lolo lo”, which they said they always sang for him whenever he was playing.

Dressed in Ajax Cape Town colours, Lulu Mnyiphika, a supporter, sobbed.

She said: “He was always down-to-earth and humble.

“Often after games he would come to us, the supporters, and chat and have fun.

“He motivated a lot of children, since he was a township boy.

“This is a big loss, we are crying and we will always cry for him.”

Mnyiphika said Lolo’s success in the team motivated Khayelitsha youth.

“We will continue to sing his song, remember him for his skills and humanity.”

Lolo is survived by his three children, the youngest just nine months old.

Family spokesman Wandisile Nonxuba said the family was still in shock.

“Everybody is in shock, his father at home in the Eastern Cape is not taking it well, but his mother has been rushed to seek medical attention.”

Nonxuba said a neighbour who was driving past Spine Road recognised Lolo’s car at the accident scene. The neighbour rushed to Lolo’s home and informed his mother.

Nonxuba said it was a head-on collision and Lolo was killed instantly.

He said details of the accident were still sketchy.

“Sonwabile loved joking around; he was a very humble guy.”

Lolo’s agent Grant Nieuwenhuys from GN Sports Agency said he came to Lolo’s home as soon as he had heard the news.

“Lolo was one of the first players I signed. I met him when he was on loan with Ekapa Sporting and was in training. He was always loyal to me and was a very jolly person.”

Nieuwenhuys said he was saddened by the tragic death as Lolo’s career was blossoming.

“He was starting to blossom, he played his best game over a month ago and was attracting (the attention of) bigger clubs.”

Ajax Cape Town chief executive Ari Efstathiou said Lolo was a “warrior”.

“He was a true leader and role model for all those who aspire to be professional footballers, showing that no matter what your circumstances, it needn’t suppress your ambitions in life.

“Your laughter and wonderful personality will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace our Warrior,” said Efstathiou.

Mayor Patricia de Lille also reached out to the family: “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.

“This is a great loss to his team and he will undoubtedly be missed for his contribution to soccer.”

Police spokeswoman Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said two people were killed and that police were investigating a case of culpable homicide. - Cape Argus