Celebrating Steve ‘Kalamazoo’ Mokone’s Birthday, the First Black South African Footballer to Play in Europe

• Steve 'Kalamazoo' Mokone made history by becoming the first black South African to play football in Europe
• Mokone played in countries such as England, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Italy, but could not play for South Africa
• Kalamazoo has had stadium stands and a street name after him in the Netherlands due to his popularity in the country

Steve ‘Kalamazoo’ Mokone is a legend of South African football, despite not making his name in South Africa.

Mokone became the first black South African to play in Europe when he signed for Coventry City in 1955.

He made his name in the Netherlands though, when he signed for Heracles Almelo. He became such a cult figure at the club that a stand at the stadium was named after him and a street in the Netherlands also bears his name.

Dutch journalist Tom Egbers also wrote a book about the player which was then turned into a movie, The Guardian reported.

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Mokone’s achievements in breaking the barriers for black South Africans also earned him a special award from The Presidency. Kalamazoo was given The Order of Ikhamanga award for ‘exceptional achievement in the field of soccer and an outstanding contribution to the development of non-racial sport.’

Mokone’s story is truly remarkable because he wowed fans in England, Holland, Spain, France, Italy, Australia and Canada, but was never allowed to play for South Africa because of Apartheid.

His life after football

When his footballing career came to an end, Mokone settled in the United States of America where he achieved his Doctorate in Psychology and International Politics. He remained in the USA until his death in 2015.

His later life was not without controversy though, as he spent time in prison for allegedly assaulting his ex-wife and her lawyer. Mokone always maintained his innocence, accusing the CIA of framing him because of his ties to the ANC in South Africa.

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While many have praised Kalamazoo for his footballing skills, his daughter, Thandi Mokone-Chase, has spoken out about how her father was not without his faults, IOL reported.

Thandi has likened her father to Oscar Pistorious and Floyd Mayweather as athletes whose violent natures were often overlooked, because of their athletic abilities.

Despite the controversies which haunted the latter part of his life, Mokone will always be remembered as a pioneer in South African football and a trailblazer who made it possible for South Africans to play abroad.

Mokone would have turned 90-years-old today.

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