Matshidiso “Mam Tshidi” Ramafikeng, a revered pioneer of grassroots football in Mangaung and owner of The Echo FC, has sadly passed away following a period of illness. The Bloemfontein Local Football Association (LFA) confirmed her passing on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Her death has left the local football fraternity deeply heartbroken, triggering an outpouring of grief, respect and tributes from colleagues, administrators and players alike.
Ramafikeng was a custodian of the game, whose colossal contribution to football development spanned several decades in Bloemfontein.
Born and bred in Senegal, she developed an interest in football in the early 1990s before relocating to Bloemfontein, where she established The Echo FC. She was actively involved in football administration and served as one of the executive members of the Bloemfontein LFA.
Throughout her grassroots football development journey in Mangaung, Ramafikeng produced numerous players, who went on to compete in the Free State ABC Motsepe League and the Motsepe Championship.
As part of the Women in Football celebrations in August 2026, Ramafikeng was among those honoured at Clive Solomon Stadium for their contribution to local football development. However, due to her illness, she was unable to attend the ceremony.
News of Ramafikeng’s passing broke on Sunday morning, prompting an outpouring messages of sympathy, appreciation and gratitude from veteran club owners, football administrators and members of the Bloemfontein LFA.
Those who worked closely with Ramafikeng described her as a jolly and punctual person, who left invaluable lessons that will remain embedded in those who had the privilege of knowing her. One of them was Anah Mokhethi, who expressed gratitude for having worked alongside Ramafikeng.
“We are lucky to have learnt one or two things from Mam Tshidi. I knew her through football, and I continued to work with her until her passing. She was a punctual person and believed in her guidance. Through the tough times, she was always present at the grounds, supporting her team. I have learnt a handful from working with her, football-wise,” she said.
Dikoena Stars chairman Mohau Mokoena indicated that Ramafikeng’s involvement in grassroots football was long-standing. “Since I established my team in 2011, she already had a team called Real Stars years before I established mine. Then she formed The Echo. I have been working with her since 2011,” he said.
SAFA Mangaung Metropolitan Chairperson Lucas Matobako said that Ramafikeng was a real beacon of hope for the young upcoming players, as she believed in allowing players to be active. “Mam Tshidi played a motherhood role in developing young players to be good players. She was not afraid to give young players a platform to play,” he said.
Furthermore, club owner of Knowledge Stars and Bloemfontein LFA Women Leadership Kedilatile Senago-Matong recalled from the time she worked alongside Ramafikeng as Vice chairpersons of the Bloemfontein LFA board.
“I had the privilege of working alongside Mama Tshidi. Mama Tshidi was a remarkable woman of integrity. She carried herself with dignity, stood firmly for what she believed was right, and always put the interests of football and the community at heart” she said.
