Staff Reporter
Free State Stars home ground, Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem, will be renamed the Mike Mokoena Stadium in honour of the football club’s late founder and chairman.
Addressing mourners at Mokoena’s funeral in Bethlehem today, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela said the provincial government felt it a fitting honour to rename the venue and the process is expected to start soon.
“In his honour, we have resolved . . . to urgently begin a process of renaming Goble Park Stadium, here in Bethlehem, to Mike Mokoena Stadium,” Ntombela said.
The premier said the necessary legal processes as informed by the geographical names regulations are expected to start soon.
The Free State Provincial Geographical Names Committee will lead the renaming process which includes, among other requirements, public hearings with the communities concerned.
Ntombela described Mokoena, whose parents were farmworkers, as a shining beacon who did not allow his disadvantaged background to shape his life.
“He was a shining beacon of our province, and an administrator par excellence,” she said.
“He was . . . truly a self-made man who refused to allow his humble beginnings to define and decide his destiny.
“He now leaves behind a lasting legacy – both as a businessman and a football administrator – which should be preserved and honoured.
“Death has robbed us of a kind-hearted philanthropist, whose work of community and sport development can be affirmed across the continent.”
The premier also urged Free State Stars players and management to work hard to ensure that the club – which is currently playing in the National First Division following demotion last season – returns to the top-flight Premier Soccer League in honour of the late Mokoena.
The veteran football administrator will be buried this afternoon at the Utopia Cemetery in Morelig, on the outskirts of Bethlehem.
President Cyril Ramaphosa accorded Mokoena the Special Official Provincial Funeral Category 2 – an honour that is bestowed on distinguished persons specifically designated by the president of the Republic of South Africa.