By Sibusiso Masilela
A new cycling race is on the cards in honour of the late Shirley Motsa.
This was revealed by the late Shirley’s father-in-law and business mogul Moses Motsa during the funeral of the late Eswatini Cycling Association Executive member and Newcomm Wheels Treasurer.
The late female administrator was laid to rest on Saturday morning at her marital homestead in Siteki after losing her life in a freak accident at Manzana along the Mbabane – Manzini highway.
“I am willing to sponsor a race that will be in honour of Shirley. I challenge the Eswatini Cycling Association to work on the race and I will support it every step of the way,” he said.
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Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA) President Sifiso ‘Zwide’ Nxumalo could not be reached for comment on the latest update. The new race will be the second honorary race to be introduced in the country after the Mandla Simelane Road classic which is in honour of the late former Cycling President Mandla Simelane.
The late Motsa was also a member of the Golden Foot Athletics Club.
Over 1,000 mourners paid their last respects to the late administrator and wife of Newcomm Wheels principal Mbusi Motsa.
Cyclists pay tribute to the late Motsa
This is what other cyclists and athletes said about the late Motsa:
Dinize Wilsch (4eva Cycling Club)
“It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Shirley Kenny, a beloved friend, whose sudden departure has left me in shock. Our paths crossed through our shared love for cycling and running, embarking on countless races together, conquering both mountain and road terrains. Shirley’s unwavering determination to finish strong was truly inspiring, and our joint podium finishes remain treasured memories.”
Wilsch further said the late Motsa nurtured her children to join the sport before her demise.
“I have also witnessed Shirley’s unwavering commitment to instilling a passion for cycling in her two sons. Her dedication to nurturing and training them, even after long workdays, was a testament to her selflessness and love for her family. The pride she felt as her sons triumphed in bicycle races, claiming medals and podium spots, reflected her nurturing spirit.”
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The former female national champion said Motsa’s demise left a huge void in the cycling fraternity.
“The news of Shirley’s death left a void in my heart and the cycling and running community. To Shirley’s family, I offer my deepest sympathies and prayers as you navigate this difficult time. May
you find solace in knowing that Shirley’s legacy of love and strength lives on in the hearts of those she touched”.
“Heaven has gained a beautiful soul in Shirley. May she rest in peace, forever remembered as a guiding light and a source of joy to all who knew her,”
Ntsiki Mdlovu (Team G Cycling Club)
“Words aren’t enough to express the sadness felt. Lord knows best. She has always encouraged me to keep going and give my best during my time with Newcomm Wheels. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
Shirley Saulus (Kusekhaya Cycling Club)
“I am deeply saddened about the passing on of Shirley, our beloved fellow cyclist and cherished ‘bizo’ as we referred to each other. Her nurturing spirit and infectious energy will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies,” she said.
Carol Peat- Leibbrandt (MTN Khemani)
“Shirley was a beacon of light in our cycling community and beyond. With her unwavering determination and boundless commitment, she inspired countless athletes to push their limits and reach for their dreams. Her infectious happiness and cheerful spirit lifted us all, and her encouragement knew no bounds.”
“As a devoted mother, she not only excelled in her pursuits but also nurtured the talents of her two young boys, instilling in them the same passion for sportsmanship and dedication. Her legacy will live on through them. Shirley leaves behind a void in our hearts and our community, not just in cycling but also in running and all those who knew her,” she said.
She further urged the entire cycling family to honour the late Motsa keeping wheels going in the sport.
“May we honour her memory by continuing to embody the values she held dear: perseverance, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the power of sport to unite and uplift us all. Farewell, dear friend. You will be greatly missed and forever admired,” she said.
Mduduzi Zwane( Darkton Cycling Club)
“She was a courageous person, who always wanted to see people doing well in the sport and encouraged us to work hard every day. She was also able to unite cyclists from various clubs through the weekend social rides. The sport will never be the same without her,” he said.
Gideon Mthembu (MTN Khemani and Golden Foot Athletics Club)
“Shirley Kenny-Motsa was one of the senior members of GFC. She came into the team in 2003 and has been with us since then. It’s a huge loss to us as she was a mentor and role model to many of our runners, particularly those who were joining GFC. We are so sad and hurt by the loss of our member. She died like a soldier, clad in the colours of her lifetime team and the battle of fitness. She was with the Mbabane GFC under the mentorship of coach Steely Dan,” he said. – Eswatini Sunday
