Legendary star player Mlungisi “Professor” Ngubani has paid tribute to the late Joel Faya, calling his passing a blow to the football community. Faya passed away unexpectedly this morning.

Faya was on the bench for Clive Barker’s AmaZulu side that won the 1992 Coca-Cola Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, as his playing career was nearing its end at the time.

He was part of the controversial 1981 Usuthu side that was knocked out of the Mainstay Cup by Orlando Pirates in the semi final. Legendary Jomo Sono scored the winning goal at Orlando Stadium, but AmaZulu felt wronged. A combination play by Mafa Ace Nduli, the late Sugar Ray Xulu, and Faya left Pirates’ defense exposed, and Nduli found the net. However, a questionable offside call by the referee disallowed the goal.

“I heard this morning when I got the call,” said Ngubani.

“I knew Faya for a long time from our days together at AmaZulu. He arrived at AmaZulu while I was already playing for the club. When I left to join Bush Bucks, I came back and I convince him to join me and he did.

“We spoke on Wednesday and Thursday because we were supposed to meet today (Friday) at 13:00 PM for the Siyabonga Sangweni event that is taking place tomorrow (Saturday).”

After Faya’s playing days ended with Usuthu, he transitioned into coaching youth development and scouting for the team. “I still can’t believe it,” Ngubani added.

“Faya’s speed was a great complement to my passing skills.

“We clicked right away on the field, and our friendship remained strong even after our playing days. This news has caught me completely off guard. Even my wife couldn’t believe it when I told her.”

AmaZulu and the Department of Sports in KZN have joined millions of people to pay tribute to the legendary Faya.

AmaZulu and the Department of Sports in KZN have joined millions of people to pay tribute to te legandary Faya.