Free State Government Salutes Bra Mike

Local News/23 June 2020, 18:45pm/ Molefi Sompane

Bethlehem: The government of the Free State has announced that the late owner of the Glad Africa Championship team Free State State Stars Mike Mokoena will receive Provincial Send off.

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa has on 22 June 2020, approved the request that the funeral of the late Liphapang Michael Mokoena be declared as Special Official Funeral Category 2,” read a statement from government.

“President Ramaphosa has thus instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the Free State Province, at all government buildings, on the day of the late Mike Mokoena’s funeral service.”

Speaking to MEC of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Limakatso Mahasa she said Mokoena had played a pivotal role in the sporting codes.

“We all know that the person of Bra Mike’s Calibre who had sacrificed for the development of the Free State youth had to be honored by all the people of the province for what he has done,” she said.

One of the people who supported Mokoena’s club is politican Moeketsi Lebesa who upon his passing reminded the supporters of where late Bra Mike comes from with soccer.

Lebesa said it was befitting for Mokoena to receive the provincial state funeral.

“Bra Mike worked and his deeds are to be seen. I want to comment government for honoring him with a state funeral. This is the man who used his money to make us happy. He brought big clubs to our own backyard and we are grateful,” Lebesa said.

Mokoena’s family had confirmed the  visit by Provincial representatives over the funeral.

His son Rantsi said: “We have met with the government and we are satisfied that we have agreed and received the condolences by government.”

Mokoena passed away last Wednesday following a long battle with cancer and is due to be buried at the Methodist Church in Bohlokeng, Bethlehem on Friday, 26 June.