Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has sent a birthday message to Dr Steve Mokone on his 80th birthday.
Mokone, who is also known as Kalamazoo, left South Africa in 1956 to embark on a career in European football. He was the first South African footballer to play in Europe and received the Order of Ikhamanga Gold for his achievement in sport.
"On this seminal occasion of your life, your 80th birthday, please accept my best wishes and many happy returns. Reaching 80 years of age is no mean feat... it is simply awesome," said Motlanthe on Friday.
He described Mokone as "simply the best player of the century not only here in South Africa, but at the level of our continent, Africa".
"... You have acquitted yourself with distinction as a South African ambassador on the length and breadth of the global stage. What makes you an exceptional human being is your breathtaking achievements in both sport and the academia. The fact that you earned a PhD degree immediately after your soccer career speaks volumes about your protean abilities, making you one of a kind.
"Your professorship in psychology is further proof of your splendid life and amazing aptitudes that do us proud as a people and a nation," said Motlanthe.
He added that throughout the years, Mokone had been an inspiration to many people for his commitment to the ideals of peace, human development and freedom.
"Indeed, the celebration of your birthday should serve as an occasion to encourage the younger generation to take a leaf from your exemplary life which has been well-lived. Indeed, today is a blissfully joyous moment that you must relish to the fullest!!!! May you live to see many more years! Once again, Happy Birthday," he said.
