Moran Khulu, better known as Samora Khulu, (died 6 August 2008) was a South African football (soccer) striker who played for African Wanderers, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Moran Khulu | ||
| Date of birth | 1958 | ||
| Place of birth | Madadeni, Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal | ||
| Date of death | 6 August 2008 (aged 50) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1978–1979 | Newcastle Steller | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1980–1983 | African Wanderers | ||
| 1984–1986 | Kaizer Chiefs | 75 | (42) |
| 1987–? | AmaZulu | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Club career edit
Joe Frickleton discovered Khulu when he still played for African Wanderers in Durban. "I immediately spotted his potential while I was still coaching Highlands Park - and the great measure of success Chiefs achieved in the record breaking season was due to him." Khulu scored a hat trick in his first match against Wits University at Orlando Stadium. He developed a penchant of scoring at Ellis Park Stadium.[1] Chiefs signed Khulu for a hefty R25 000 at the start of the 1984 season. He finished the season as the 1984 Footballer of the Year[2] and the winner of the Golden Boot with 21 goals.[2][3][4] He was the first ever South African soccer player to have a graphic every time he scored at Ellis Park.[5] He later joined AmaZulu F.C. He scored a goal against African Wanderers in 1–0 win in the JPS Knockout Cup but they were disqualified for fielding an unregistered player.[6]
Controversies edit
Khulu had a reputation for indiscipline and going AWOL often skipping training to return to his home in northern KwaZulu-Natal.[3]
Nickname edit
He was nicknamed "Zulu Boy" or "ZB" by Joe Frickleton and Ryder Mofokeng[7]
Personal life edit
Khulu is survived by his wife Monica and two children.[2]
Death edit
Khulu died on 6 August 2008 after a long illness, his daughter Tracey Khulu confirmed his death on Metro FM. He was buried on 10 August 2008 at Gavala Cemetery[2] in Madadeni, Newcastle.[7] Kaizer Motaung said "We are deeply grieved by his passing and we shall forever be thankful for his contributions to our success."[1]
References edit
- ^ a b "Death of Chiefs 'Gladiator' Samora Khulu | Sport24". M.news24.com. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
- ^ a b c d "SA legend laid to rest". Sowetan LIVE. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ a b "'Samora' forgotten in goal feast". DailySun. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ Mark Gleeson (7 April 2014). "Top scorer award could be for the fewest goals yet | Soccer". BDlive. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Horsepower wanted for PSL | Sport24". M.news24.com. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "South Africa 1987". Rsssf.com. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ a b "R.I.P. Amakhosi's Samora Khulu - News". Kick Off. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013.