GO MABUSELA AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS CAPTAINS RELIVE THE YESTERYEARS 
 WITH MASTERPIECES MORIPEIn the heart of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, few figures have left as indelible a mark on South African football as Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe, a name synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of local soccer.
Author: John AliuBut for Alpheus ‘Go’ Mabusela, Moripe is more than just a legendary figure in South African sports history—he’s a reminder of a time when football was pure, driven by passion rather than the glitz and glamour that often surround the sport today.
To mark Heritage Month, Go Mabusela, alongside fellow former Mamelodi Sundowns captains Daniel ‘Mabush’ Mudau, Hlompho Kekana and Surprise Moriri, paid a surprise visit to Masterpieces Moripe.

“It was an important visit to honor Masterpieces and celebrate his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in South African football. He was so happy to see us and recognized each one of us.”
Alpheus fondly described his memories of Lucas Moripe. “It’s been a while since I last saw him as we could not meet at matches. I played against him when he was with Pretoria Callies, so we have a lot of shared history. Back in those days, television was not as popular, so only those of us who played against him or alongside him were fortunate enough to witness the kind of player he truly was. He had this unique ability to read the game like no one else and his touch—so delicate yet powerful—was something you didn’t see often. He was a dribbling wizard, capable of mesmerizing defenders with his skill and creativity.”
Go Mabusela also reflected on some of the discussions regarding the evolution of the game itself. “The game of football has evolved significantly since we played in the 70s. During our playing days, we would use the same kit for warm-up and the match. We would also warm up in the dressing room before heading out to play. Today, we see players warm up on the pitch, getting a feel for it before going back to the dressing room and then coming out to play. Back then, frog jumps were a common warm-up exercise; present-day players may not even know what that is. The game today relies more on tactical strategies than on physical play, as it did in our time.”

The former Sundowns skipper further shared some insights from Masterpieces about his continued admiration for Mamelodi Sundowns. “Moripe appreciates the dedication, passion and winning mentality that the Club embodies. Masterpieces believes Sundowns is one of the best-run teams in Africa as well as in the world. There is professionalism running through the team, which is evident when you look at the low number of yellow and red cards the team receives season after season, despite playing in many competitions. He has expressed that he will continue to support Mamelodi Sundowns for the rest of his life, no matter what.”Speaking about the shoeshine and piano-playing philosophy. Masterpieces who still attend Mamelodi Sundowns matches said “ The shoeshine and piano is still very much alive and have been polished thanks to the extra flair that has entered the game. While the core principles of teamwork and tactical awareness remain unchanged, today’s players bring a new level of creativity and individual expression to the pitch. This evolution has added a refreshing dimension to our traditional style. Some of the players that I like, Surprise Moriri and Themba Zwane have that flair.”

Alpheus noted that Masterpieces encouraged the younger generation to learn from the past and carry that legacy forward. “The shoeshine and piano is not just a style; it’s a way of life at Mamelodi Sundowns. It represents our commitment to excellence and our desire to entertain the supporters. Masterpieces believe that as long as players embody this philosophy, the spirit of Sundowns will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

As Mabusela reflects on the legacy of Masterpieces Moripe, it becomes clear that the true essence of football transcends mere statistics and accolades. It’s about the passion, the community and the shared experiences that bind generations of players and fans alike.In celebrating Heritage Month, Mabusela and his fellow former captains not only honored a footballing icon but also rekindled the values that have shaped Mamelodi Sundowns into a powerhouse of South African football. The younger generation, who may be familiar with the Lucas Moripe Stadium, are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the game that Moripe embodied—one of skill, creativity, and dedication. By learning from the legends of the past, these young players can forge their paths and continue to build on the rich history of the Club, ensuring that the legacy of Masterpieces lives on for years to come. It is truly deserving for a stadium in the heart of Atteridgeville to be named after the Legendary South African figure, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe. The legacy of Masterpieces will live forever for generations to come.