Our Rising Star no: 208 today is arguably number one local football fan. We talk about someone who eat, dream and sleep soccer. John Tahlo (38) is originally from Bloemfontein, Free State province in South Africa, but currently based in Montclair, Durban due to work. He attended Commtech Comprehensive school and joined Transnet Engineering School.
“My love for soccer started long time ago back at home and all was inspired by Bloemfontein Celtic supporters (Siwelele sa masele). I started as a soccer player but could not make it due to injury. In 2012, I attended ABC Motsepe League games and did not miss any game. I left Bloemfontein in 2017 after the company I work for decided to relocate to Durban in KwaZulu Natal Province”, he said.
Tahlo Jembe Drum, as popularly known, is famous with his “Djembe drum”, most of his followers are still surprised by the way he sings and play the drum to create mood at the stadium.
“Back at home, my friend bought Djembe drum but could not play it, so I jumped and assisted him. I did not go to school to learn how to play it, but I fell in love with it. I noticed that Djembe drum can connect supporters to sing and enjoy at the stadium”, he said laughing.
There is a supporters organisation named “Simunye We Are One Football Supporters”, catering for different supporters like AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows FC, Richards Bay FC, Royal AM, Durban Ladies FC and teams from ABC Motsepe.
“The aim of the organisation is to motivate people to come to stadium to sing and enjoy themselves, but we lack resources to do roadshows and attend interviews. Fortunately, we have a small committee member who helps us a lot when we travel to each game, but we are still struggling. People see us singing together at the stadium, but they do not know our struggle”, he added.
Nothing can really stop you from what you love, Tahlo Djembe Drum’s love for football is unconditional, he attends almost everyday at Durban. He can take a leave to attend a game during a week and free to make people happy at the stadium with him drum on weekends.
“I would like to thank the committee of Simunye We Are One Football Supporters for trusting me, Dumakude, Lozolo, Kufa, Matshidiso, Amanda, Macalepipi, I love you guys. Thanks a lot Rise Africans Newspaper, please keep blessing people with wonderful interviews, I feel honoured”, he concluded.
Anyone who want to assist the organisation to reach its goals can contact John: +27 63 127 1502 | Facebook: Tahlo Djembe Drum or Simunye we are 1 football supporters | Twitter: Simunye we are 1 football supporters | Instagram : Simunye we are 1 football supporters
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