Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jnr. has explained Kaizer Chiefs' decision to retire the jersey number 26, worn by late defender Luke Fleurs.
The 24-year-old Fleurs was allegedly shot and killed in a hijacking incident in Florida, Roodepoort, Johannesburg last week Wednesday while waiting to be assisted at a petrol filling station.
Six suspects have since been arrested and his stripped vehicle was recovered by law enforcement.
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Although Fleurs did not get a chance to make his debut for the club, Amakhosi announced at his memorial service, held at FNB Stadium on Thursday, that the jersey number 26, assigned to the central defender when he officially joined the side, would be retired.
Motaung Jnr. said the move would serve as a reminder to even future Chiefs players of Fleurs' legacy at the Soweto giants.
"I think last week has been one of the toughest weeks we’ve ever had as Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.
"Losing a team member, a brother, a friend and a son in the way that we did has been really difficult for this team.
"I remember at the time when we went before the Chairman [Kaizer Motaung] and said we had the opportunity sig Luke Fleurs, it was a no-brainer.
"I think the Chairman even said to us, 'Are you guys sure, because it’s not even possible that we can get Luke on a free. It wouldn’t make any sense, I know Stan [Matthews, SuperSport CEO]. It would never be possible'.
"That’s the level and calibre of the player.
"Luke played with the class and the aura of yester players that wore this jersey. That’s what he exuded. That’s what we saw and it’s a travesty that he didn’t get to have his moment on the field.
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"So, in his honour and to ensure he is not forgotten, our executive Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung, has agreed that we will retire Luke’s jersey number 26.
"This doesn’t happen often. But as a fallen soldier, the entire institution believes it’s the right thing to do and we want to ensure that his legacy is with us forever.
"Even those who come after us will know that there was a Luke Fleurs who wore jersey number 26."
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