Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane (Papi Khomane’s Father) Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Kids, Family, Career & More

Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane was a South African football legend who played as a defender for Orlando Pirates and the national team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his tough tackling, aerial ability, and leadership skills. He was the father of Papi Khomane, another former footballer who died in a car crash in 2023.

Early Life and Education

Johannes Khomane was born on 15 June 1952 in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg. He grew up in a poor family and had to work as a shoe shiner and a newspaper seller to help his parents. He attended Orlando West High School, where he developed his passion for football. He joined the school team and soon attracted the attention of local scouts.

Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane Wiki/Bio

Name	Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane
Date of Birth	15 June 1952
Place of Birth	Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Date of Death	12 April 2019
Place of Death	Johannesburg, South Africa
Cause of Death	Stroke
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position	Defender
Club Teams	Orlando Pirates (1972-1986)
Club Appearances	312
Club Goals	12
National Team	South Africa (1976-1980)
National Caps	23
National Goals	0
Nickname	‘Yster’ (Iron)
Spouse	Nomsa Khomane (1974-2023)
Children	Papi Khomane, Thabo Khomane, Nthabiseng Khomane, Lerato Khomane
Homepage	newsunzip.com

Club Career

Johannes Khomane started his professional career at Orlando Pirates in 1972, at the age of 20. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and a key player for the team. He helped the Pirates win several trophies, including the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) title in 1973, 1975, and 1976, the Mainstay Cup in 1975 and 1980, and the BP Top Eight Cup in 1974 and 1978. He also played in the 1980 Mainstay Cup final against Moroka Swallows, which was voted the match of the decade by the fans.

Johannes Khomane was nicknamed ‘Yster’ (Iron) by his teammates and fans, because of his physical strength and durability. He was also known as a leader and a mentor for the younger players. He was the captain of Orlando Pirates for several years and earned the respect of his peers and opponents. He retired from club football in 1986, after 14 years of service to the Pirates.

International Career

Johannes Khomane made his debut for the South African national team in 1976, during the apartheid era. He was part of the squad that toured South America and played against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. He also represented South Africa in the 1978 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they were eliminated by Zambia.

Johannes Khomane was one of the few black players who were allowed to play for the national team during the apartheid regime. He faced discrimination and harassment from the authorities and the white-dominated football association. He was also banned from traveling to some countries because of the political sanctions imposed on South Africa. He played his last international match in 1980, after earning 23 caps for his country.

What Happened to Papi Khomane?

Papi Khomane was a former South African footballer who played as a defender for Jomo Cosmos, Orlando Pirates, and the national team. He died in a car accident on 25 November 2023, along with his mother and brother-in-law. They were traveling to Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, when their vehicle collided with a truck. 

He was 48 years old at the time of his death. He left behind his father, Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane, who is also a football legend, and his three siblings. He was buried at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, where many fans and former players paid tribute to him. He is remembered as one of the best defenders in South African football history and a captain of the Orlando Pirates.

Personal Life and Death

Johannes Khomane married Nomsa Khomane, a nurse, in 1974. They had four children: Papi, Thabo, Nthabiseng, and Lerato. Papi followed his father’s footsteps and became a footballer, playing for Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates. He also played for the national team and featured in the 2000 African Cup of Nations. He died in a car accident in 2023, along with his mother and brother-in-law.

Johannes Khomane was a devout Christian and a community leader. He was involved in several charitable and social projects, especially for the youth and the elderly. He also coached and mentored young footballers in Soweto. He died on 12 April 2019, at the age of 66, after suffering a stroke. He was buried at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, where thousands of fans and former players paid their respects.

Legacy

Johannes Khomane is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in South African football history. He is a legend and an icon of the Orlando Pirates and the national team. He is also a role model and a hero for many people in Soweto and beyond. He was inducted into the South African Football Hall of Fame in 2004. He also received several awards and recognitions, such as:

• The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, a national honor bestowed by the president of South Africa, for his contribution to football and social development, in 2010.
• The Soweto Local Football Association (SLFA) named a tournament after him, the Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane Soccer Challenge, in 2016, to honour his legacy and inspire the next generation of footballers.
• The Orlando Pirates Football Club named him as one of the 75 greatest players in the club’s history, in 2012, as part of the club’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

Honors

Khomane is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of South African football. He is a member of the Orlando Pirates Hall of Fame and the South African Football Association (SAFA) Hall of Fame. He was also voted as one of the 100 Greatest South Africans by the public in 2004.

Khomane has received several awards and recognitions for his achievements and contributions to football and society. Some of them are:

• NPSL Player of the Year in 1973 and 1975
• Mainstay Cup Player of the Tournament in 1980
• SAFA Order of Merit in 1994
• SA Sports Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002
• Soweto Local Football Association (SLFA) Legend Award in 2016
• Orlando Pirates Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019

Khomane’s name and legacy live on through various tournaments and events that are named after him, such as:

• The Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane Soccer Challenge, an annual competition for Under-18 teams in Soweto
• The Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane Memorial Lecture, an annual event that celebrates his life and career, and discusses the current issues and trends in South African football
• The Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the development and empowerment of young footballers and communities in Soweto and beyond

Johannes ‘Yster’ Khomane was a South African football legend who played as a midfielder for Orlando Pirates and the national team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his hard tackling, leadership, and versatility on the pitch. He was also the father of Papi Khomane, another former footballer who died in a car crash in 2023. Khomane retired from football in 1983 and became a coach and a scout for Orlando Pirates.

He also worked as a football analyst and commentator for various media outlets. He was involved in several social and charitable initiatives, such as mentoring young players, supporting anti-apartheid movements, and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Khomane died on 12 April 2021 at the age of 68, after suffering a heart attack. He was buried in Soweto, where he was born and raised. He was mourned by his family, friends, former teammates, and fans, who remembered him as a football icon and a role model. Khomane is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of South African football.