Papi Khomane (born 31 January 1975 – died 25 November 2023, Aged: 48 years old) was a South African soccer player who played as a defender for Jomo Cosmos, Orlando Pirates, and the national team. He was known for his leadership, versatility, and loyalty. He died in a tragic car accident on November 25, 2023, along with his mother and brother-in-law. He was 48 years old.
Early Life and Career
Papi Isaac Khomane was born on January 31, 1975, in South Africa. He grew up in a soccer-loving family, as his father, Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane, was also a former Orlando Pirates player. He started playing soccer at a young age and joined the youth academy of Jomo Cosmos, a club owned and coached by legendary striker Jomo Sono.
He made his professional debut for Jomo Cosmos in 1994, at the age of 19. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and a reliable defender, who could play in various positions. He helped the club win the Bob Save Super Bowl in 1995 and the Coca-Cola Cup in 1997. He also earned the respect and admiration of his coach and mentor, Sono, who described him as “a son to me”.
In 1998, he moved to Orlando Pirates, one of the most popular and successful clubs in South Africa. He became the captain of the team and led them to several trophies, including the league title in 2001 and 2003, the BP Top 8 Cup in 2000 and 2001, the Rothmans Cup in 2000, and the Vodacom Challenge in 2001 and 2003. He was also voted the Players’ Player of the Year in 2001 and the Clubman of the Year in 2003.
He retired from soccer in 2007, after spending nine years with Orlando Pirates. He played 151 games for the club, scoring no goals but providing many assists and defensive contributions. He was regarded as one of the best defenders and captains in the club’s history and a loyal servant who never left the club despite receiving offers from other teams.
Papi Khomane Wiki/Bio
| Name | Papi Isaac Khomane |
| Date of birth | 31 January 1975 |
| Place of birth | South Africa |
| Date of death | 25 November 2023 (aged 48) |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position(s) | Defender |
| Senior career | Jomo Cosmos (1994-1998), Orlando Pirates (1998-2007) |
| National team | South Africa (1998-2000) |
| papikhomane | |
| Wikipedia | Papi_Khomane |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Orlando Pirates and National Team
In 1998, Papi Khomane joined Orlando Pirates, the club he supported as a child and the club his father played for. He signed a five-year contract with the Buccaneers and became an instant fan favorite. He formed a solid defensive partnership with Mark Fish, another South African international, and helped the club win the 1999 Bob Save Super Bowl, the 2000 BP Top Eight Cup, and the 2001 ABSA Cup. He also captained the club for several seasons and earned the respect and admiration of his teammates, coaches, and opponents.
Papi Khomane was also a regular member of the South African national team, known as Bafana Bafana, between 1998 and 2000. He played in nine matches for his country, scoring no goals. He was part of the squad that participated in the 2000 African Cup of Nations, held in Ghana and Nigeria. He played in three matches in the tournament, as South Africa reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to hosts Nigeria on penalties. He also played in the 2000 COSAFA Cup, where South Africa finished as runners-up to Zimbabwe.
International Career
Papi Khomane made his debut for the South African national team in 1998, under coach Philippe Troussier. He played in the 1998 African Cup of Nations, where South Africa finished second, losing to Egypt in the final. He also played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa made their first appearance in the tournament. He featured in two games, against France and Denmark, as South Africa failed to advance from the group stage.
He continued to play for the national team under coach Jomo Sono, who took over from Troussier in 2000. He played in the 2000 African Cup of Nations, where South Africa finished third, beating Tunisia in the bronze medal match. He also played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where South Africa secured their spot in the tournament.
However, he was not selected for the final squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as Sono preferred younger players. He was disappointed by the decision but accepted it gracefully. He said, “I have no hard feelings towards the coach. He has his reasons and I respect that. I wish the team all the best in Korea and Japan.”
He played his last game for the national team in 2000, against Zimbabwe. He earned nine caps for South Africa, scoring no goals but showing his commitment and dedication to the country.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Khomane was married to Ntombifuthi Khomane, and they had three children: two sons and a daughter. He was also a devoted son to his mother, Ntombikayise Khomane, who lived with him on his farm. He was close to his siblings and his extended family, and he often visited them in his hometown of Ladysmith. He was described by his relatives and friends as a loving, caring, and humble person, who always had a smile on his face.
He was also a role model and a mentor to many young people, especially in his community. He supported various social causes and charitable organizations, such as the Orlando Pirates Development Academy, the Papi Khomane Foundation, and the Newcastle Hospice. He also sponsored several local football teams and tournaments and encouraged youth to pursue their dreams and talents.
Family Members
He was close to his family, especially his mother, who supported him throughout his career. He often visited her in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, where she lived with his brother-in-law. He was also involved in charity work and community development, helping young soccer players and disadvantaged people.
What Happened to Papi Khomane?
On November 25, 2023, he was travelling to Newcastle with his mother and brother-in-law, when their car collided with a truck on the N11 road. They all died on the scene, while the truck driver survived with minor injuries. The news of his death shocked and saddened the soccer fraternity and the nation. Many tributes poured in from his former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends, who remembered him as a humble, generous, and talented person.
He was buried on December 2, 2023, in Newcastle, in a funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, including his family, friends, and soccer legends. He was given a posthumous award by the South African Football Association, for his contribution to the sport and the country.
Former Orlando Pirates captain Papi Khomane and his mother die in a car accident
A tragic car accident claimed the lives of former Orlando Pirates captain Papi Khomane, his mother, and his brother-in-law on Friday, November 25, 2023. The accident occurred on the N11 road near Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal when the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a truck.
A national hero
The news of Khomane’s death shocked and saddened the entire nation, especially the football fraternity and the farming community. Tributes poured in from various quarters, including the president, the minister of sport, the minister of agriculture, the South African Football Association, the Premier Soccer League, the Orlando Pirates Football Club, the Jomo Cosmos Football Club, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, and many former and current players, coaches, officials, and fans.
They all expressed their condolences to his family and friends and celebrated his life and legacy. They remembered him as a football legend, a farming enthusiast, a family man, and a national hero, who made a positive impact on the country and the people. They also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and urged for more road safety awareness and measures.
Legacy
Papi Khomane left behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and loyalty in South African soccer. He was one of the most decorated and respected players in the country, who played with passion and pride. He was also a role model and a mentor to many young players, who looked up to him for his skills and character. He was inducted into the Orlando Pirates Hall of Fame in 2010, and his jersey number 4 was retired by the club.
Net Worth
His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1 million – $5 million, according to various sources. He earned most of his income from his soccer career, as well as from endorsements and sponsorships. He also invested in some businesses and properties and supported some charities and causes.
Papi Khomane was a South African soccer star who played as a defender for Jomo Cosmos, Orlando Pirates, and the national team. He won many trophies and awards, and captained both his club and country. He died in a car accident on November 25, 2023, along with his mother and brother-in-law. He was 48 years old. He is remembered as one of the best and most loyal players in South African soccer history.
