Samora Khulu

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.

Samora Khulu
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
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
African Wanderers
1984–1986 Kaizer Chiefs 75 (42)
1987–? AmaZulu
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

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

Khulu had a reputation for indiscipline and going AWOL often skipping training to return to his home in northern KwaZulu-Natal.[3]

Nickname

He was nicknamed "Zulu Boy" or "ZB" by Joe Frickleton and Ryder Mofokeng[7]

Personal life

Khulu is survived by his wife Monica and two children.[2]

Death

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
  1. "Death of Chiefs 'Gladiator' Samora Khulu | Sport24". M.news24.com. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  2. "SA legend laid to rest". Sowetan LIVE. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  3. "'Samora' forgotten in goal feast". DailySun. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  4. Mark Gleeson (7 April 2014). "Top scorer award could be for the fewest goals yet | Soccer". BDlive. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  5. "Horsepower wanted for PSL | Sport24". M.news24.com. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  6. "South Africa 1987". Rsssf.com. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  7. "R.I.P. Amakhosi's Samora Khulu - News". Kick Off. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
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