TAFIC Legend, Venter Laid To Rest

Former TAFIC player, Eddie 'Venter' Marks was laid to rest over the weekend in Francistown PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG
Former TAFIC player, Eddie 'Venter' Marks was laid to rest over the weekend in Francistown PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG

FRANCISTOWN: Renowned former Black Peril and TAFIC defender, Eddie Venter Marks was laid to rest on Saturday in Francistown.

The 61-year old died more than a week ago after battling an undisclosed illness for some time. Speakers at the funeral described Marks as humble and peace loving. Outgoing TAFIC chairperson Carlos Sebina who watched Marks plying his trade at TAFIC from the late 1980s said of all his soccer attributes, Marks was arguably amongst the most feared jumpers in the game and was a good header of the ball. “I am yet to see a player who has mastered the art of heading a ball like the late Marks,” Sebina challenged. Marks achieved a rare feat in the late 1980s when he became the first player from a less fancied club (TAFIC) to be selected for the national team. Then, it was widely known that the national team was made up of players from established teams such as Township Rollers and Gaborone United.“It was because of his competitive spirit and high level of discipline that he attracted the attention of the national team selectors. Apart from his exceptional ability, he always wanted to win,” Sebina said.

Sebina also said that even after quitting TAFIC, Marks continued supporting the club in various ways including negotiating sponsorships.

Editor's Comment
Closure as pain lingers

March 28 will go down as a day that Batswana will never forget because of the accident that occurred near Mmamatlakala in Limpopo, South Africa. The tragedy affected not only the grieving families but the nation at large. Batswana throughout the process stood behind the grieving families and the governments of Botswana and South Africa need much more than a pat on the back.Last Saturday was a day when family members said their last goodbyes to...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up