It is official - Mpho Leremi is no more

Mpho Gift Leremi is no more. It had been confirmed by the police that the 22-year old Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder died in a car crash near Alberton in Ekurhuleni on Monday night.

Shortly before the news was broken to the players, they were all huddled together in groups, like seeking comfort in each other’s company, their eyes bewildered and sadness written all over their faces.

Like all South Africans, they woke up to the shattering news that one of their colleagues had died in a car accident. And as they started gathering at the club headquarters, rumors filtered through that it was Leremi.
But none of them were really convinced that the lively former Orlando Pirates star man they had come to love as a brother and team-mate was no more. Their eyes kept darting to the huge gate, perhaps hoping that they will see him sauntering through the entrance and it will all be a bad joke.

As the morning wore on, and no official word coming from the police until his family had identified his body, the tension kept growing but it was clear to them that he was the only one missing after they had all been summoned to gather at the Chloorkop headquarters.

Oscar Ntwagae, the macho hard as nails defender they regard as the assassin and protector of the younger players, simply broke down and cried as it became increasingly clear that it was indeed Leremi.

Details are still sketchy at the moment and information at our disposal is that he was driving around the Alberton area on Monday night after returning from the trip to Cameroon where the club had lost 1-0 to Astres de Douala in a Confederation Cup fixture when he lost control of his vehicle.

Born in Soweto 22-years ago, Leremi was spotted by the Pirates scouts during the annual Godfrey Moloi tournament. He was recruited and signed for the Development squad from where he worked his way into the first team.
He has represented South Africa at U-20 and U-23 level and was described as a possible representative of South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, judging by his performance for Sundowns since he signed during the off-season.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Article courtesey of Sundowns official website.