'We've lost a piece of our history' laments Motsepe as late Sundowns legend Shakoane is remembered

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe paid a warm tribute to fallen club official Alex 'Goldfingers' Shakoane, saying his death robbed the club of a piece of its history.

Motsepe was speaking at Shakoane's memorial service in Mamelodi on Thursday afternoon after the club legend passed away on Sunday following a short illness.

Motsepe sheepishly admitted, much to the laughter of the packed hall that his father, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice, insisted that he referred to the late Shakoane as Uncle Alex because of his age and contribution to the club.

However, Motsepe didn't mince his words when it came to honouring Shakoane, saying the club had the responsibility of celebrating his life in the same way he dedicated his life in service of the club.

"Alex was so much to so many people. He was the master of the microphone, and he had the ability to excite and give people so much energy when he spoke," Motsepe said, who then left straight after his speech for a flight to Morocco to join the club for Saturday's CAF Champions League semi-final against Wydad Casablanca.

"Even when I was going to speak, I needed to make sure of what I was going to say was going to make my uncle happy.

"When he was here and behind the podium, he made all of us so happy. However, it's hard to be happy at this time because we've lost a legend.

"Uncle Alex was something & everything to everyone & we've lost a piece of our history." - @Masandawana chairman Thlopie Motsepe @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/9o3wq2P94T

"We've lost a leader in our football club, an icon and a pillar and at Sundowns, we're a family. We've lost a family member and a piece of our history.

"The beautiful thing is that history can be celebrated, be