05 Jun 2022

Former national football team and Extension Gunners centre back, Odirile ‘OD’ Sengwaketse was laid to rest in Kanye on Friday.

Mourners from different walks of life celebrated his illustrious life and speakers described him as a friend to all.

The former player’s sister, Tumelo Mokganya, said Sengwaketse succumbed to cancer.

Mokganya said his brother was an epitome of excellence, a mentor, a portal of knowledge and  he impacted on many lives.

His uncle, Samuel Sengwaketse, said OD served the nation whole heartedly through sport and contributed significantly to socio-economic development of the country.

He said OD promoted food security and believed in utilising his talents.

Children’s representative, Larona Sengwaketse, said their father strived to see his children living a good life and he loved them unreservedly.

She said her father served the nation in sport, a dribbling wizard who could change the complexion of the game.

Siblings representative, Thato Sengwaketse said she lost her father when she was only four years-old and OD took over as a father figure and custodian,.

She said OD was their hope and refuge during trying times, a pillar of strength who respected the young and old alike.

Thato spoke fondly of him, his love for music and someone who shaped her life.

She said her brother inspired her to love reading, adding the nation had lost a great man.

For his part, Dr Ikanyeng Sengwaketse said OD loved all children equally and called himself an Oxford scholar.

He said OD was fashionable and loved both Sengwaketse and English.

Dr Sengwaketse said because OD was well versed in Setswana culture, he was part of the crew that went on his behalf, to deliver a notice of intent to marry or ‘go isa mafoko’ in the vernacular.

Former Kgalagadi Breweries Limited operations marketing manager, Judge Mookodi who worked with OD said he was a skillful centre back who always gave his opponents a hard time.

He said the excellence he displayed on the pitch matched his conduct at work as a sales representative, adding he was a man of his word who never hided his feelings and views.

He said he worked with him and they both recognised and awarded deserving employees. Mookodi said OD believed in disciplining and not firing people.

On the field, he said, OD used his height to his advantage to thwart opponents’ attack.

A former Zebras and Gunners legend, Joshua ‘Jojo’ Mogotsi also appreciated his former colleague’s skills, having played together at national and club level. 

He said he first met OD at Gunners in 1980 and he was a skilled footballer.

Mogotsi said he worked with him at Standard Chartered Bank and KBL in Francistown.

He said they played twice with the cream of the Zambian national football team that died on the evening of April 27, 1993 when their chartered military plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after take-off from Libreville, Gabon.

Mogotsi said OD’s defensive prowess shaped his football career, shaped the football history of the country, paved way for numerous stars of yesteryears and upcoming stars as they tried to emulate him. ends