“I am saddened by the passing of South African football legend Bernard ‘Dancing Shoes’ Hartze. Regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest-ever players, he was among a group of schoolboys, who in the early 1960s, helped to form the famous South African club now called Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
“I extend my condolences to his family and friends, as well as his former clubs and everyone at the South African Football Association.”
SAFA mourns the passing of legend Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said on Thursday it was saddened by the passing of legend Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze.
The former midfielder’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Candice, who said he passed away on Tuesday 16 January 2023. She said details of his memorial service and funeral will be shared in the coming days.
“It is still very fresh as it happened yesterday, and further details will be communicated later this week,” she said.
Hartze is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to come out of Marabastad. He was born in Marabastad, schooled at Ferguson High School and then relocated to Eersterust in 1975.
During a storied career, Hartze played for Pretoria City, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Cape Town Spurs and Tampa Bay Rowdies FC in the United States of America among others.
The Western Cape’s department of cultural affairs and sport named Hartze as a Sports Legend in 2006. In 2007, he was amongst a group of 50 past and present players, coaches and officials honored by the Confederation of African Football during the continental body’s 50th Anniversary.
"We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and join in mourning the loss of Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze.
"May his soul Rest in Peace."