Football legend Cedric 'Sugar Ray' Xulu dies, tributes pour in
KwaZulu-Natal and national football legend Cedric 'Sugar Ray' Xulu has died.
The Durban-born legend is considered one of the country's finest talents ever to emerge and shine on, especially through the apartheid days when sports in the country faced one of its toughest periods.
Clubs he's played for include AmaZulu - who described his performance on the pitch as menacing during his better parts of his career in the 60s.
His contribution to SA soccer has not gone unnoticed and was honoured in several ways - one of the most prominent being the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Cleremont township in Durban.
The multi-purpose stadium was selected as one of three training venues of the prestigious 2010 FIFA World Cup event.
Xulu passed on at the age of 81 in hospital. It's believed he'd been fighting cancer.
"It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of our legendary footballers. His death has robbed our country, especially our province, of someone who made an indelible mark in the football fraternity", said KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala.
"On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and the soccer-loving people of our province, we would like to send our deepest condolences to the Xulu family, friends and relatives and the entire South African soccer fraternity for losing this legend," he said.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sugar Ray Xulu, an AmaZulu legend.
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) May 4, 2020
Our condolences go out to all his friends and family during this tragic time! 🙏🏽
Rest In Peace legend! 💚#Usuthu_Pride pic.twitter.com/YShLc3ZQnY
We are saddened to learn of the passing of the LEGENDARY Cedric "Sugar Ray" Xulu, a recepient of the Chairman's award at the 2019 PSL Awards.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 5, 2020
Condolences to his family, friends and the football fraternity at large.
May his soul rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/ptrm8K2vwC
The Abafana Bes'thende family are very saddened to hear the passing of soccer legend Cedric "Sugar Ray' Xulu. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. May time heal the sadness that you feel with the loss. pic.twitter.com/eXQIIgsj7U
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) May 4, 2020
The Chairman expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the legendary Cedric 'Sugar Ray' Xulu, who passed away on Monday at the age of 81. pic.twitter.com/CFbo7VOQ5z
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 5, 2020
The Sporting Community & @AmaZuluFootball supporters in KwaDukuza have learned with deep sadness of the passing of Baba Cedric ‘Sugar Ray’ Xulu, a legend in all respects.
— KwaDukuza Municipality (@KwaDukuza_LM) May 5, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family & friends during this sad time.
Rest In Peace Gxabhashe. pic.twitter.com/9sosmRE70z
☠ In honour of a South African Football Legend, rest in peace Cedric "Sugar Ray" Xulu 🇿🇦
— OPFC World Supporters™ (@OPFCWorld) May 5, 2020
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Quc27CuegN pic.twitter.com/8Lgod0aN8n
