Golden Lions Rugby Union President, Mr. Neville Jardine paid tribute to Mr. Thando Mhlongo who passed away on the 21^st of February 2022 after a brief illness and hailed him as a champion of grass roots Rugby.

In paying tribute to Thando, the GLRU would like to acknowledge his immense contribution to Rugby in the Province as he tirelessly sought to level the playing fields and afford opportunities for young players over many years.

Not only was he the Chairman of the Soweto Rugby Club, he was also a development officer, a training educator, a coach, a selector, a mentor, father head figure and hero to many during his lifetime.

Thando made a significant impact in our Chairman’s Council meetings ensuring that the plight of Presidents League Clubs was heard, and that all delegates understood the strategic importance of growing the game at grass roots.

“ I met Thando more than 20 years ago when we were recruiting youth players for our junior Rugby clinics with the aim of keeping them in sport and off the streets.

He will forever be remembered as a passionate, dedicated, loyal friend and colleague with whom we shared a common vision which was to grow the base of Rugby, not only in our Province but particularly in Soweto.” said Jardine.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, mother, children and extended family and friends and on behalf of the Golden Lions Rugby fraternity, I would like to offer them our sincerest condolences during this difficult time – may his soul rest in peace and rise in glory”.

Mr. Thando Mhlongo was buried on Friday, the 25^th of February 2022.