Dumile Mateza Passes On: South Africans Pay Tribute to Legendary Rugby, Boxing and Soccer Commentator

• Legendary South African sports commentator, Dumile Mateza, passed away after a battle with cancer
• Mateza was an icon in the fields of rugby, soccer and boxing as he provided commentary in three languages
• Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to iconic sports commentator Dumile Mateza following the news of his passing

South Africans are waking up to the tragic news that legendary sports commentator Dumile Mateza has passed away.

The 62-year-old was an icon in the rugby, soccer and boxing sporting fields and one who will be missed by fans and sporting stars alike.

According to Mateza’s family, he passed away after a battle with cancer, TimesLIVE reported.

Mateza’s unmistakable voice could really hook listeners, plus by commentating in English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa, he was able to reach a wider audience.

He was part of the SABC team that commentated on the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which South Africa won, and Mateza provided the Afrikaans commentary, eNCA confirmed. He also provided commentary for the 1996 African Cup of Nations, which Bafana Bafana won.

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Mateza’s passing has left many shocked and South Africans from all walks of life took to Twitter to pay tribute to the sporting icon.

@castrongobese:

"Farewell Dumile Mateza, Nala, revered sport broadcaster, distinguished linguist, teacher and great South African patriot… I’ll miss your larger-than-life persona and indomitable voice in our social gatherings."

@TandoManana:

"A big tree has fallen. Bhuti Dumile Mateza was a distinguished sport broadcaster, writer, sport activist who stuck to his beliefs. Hamba Kakuhle Nala, Ndokose. #SonoftheSoil"

@LeloMzaca:

"So sad to learn of the passing of tatu’ Dumile Mateza. Tata, you still had so much to offer and so much to teach. I will never forget all that you’ve taught me. I will miss your humour and deep knowledge which you always shared. RIP, sir."

@Masindezama_:

"RIP to the legendary tat Dumile. Phesha Phaya Mateza. His commentary was unmatched."

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A statue of the late basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna has been placed at the site of the crash, two years to the day of their tragic deaths alongside seven others, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Sculptor Dan Medina created the beautiful statue, which shows Kobe Bryant, still in the Los Angeles Lakers uniform, with his arm around his daughter Gianna, who is holding a basketball at her side.

The statue, which is a 73-kilogram bronze work, is temporary, but Medina is hoping a permanent figure can be created to immortalise Kobe. Medina, who took the statue to the crash site in California himself, says he did it of his own volition.