The Titans family has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Bishop M. W. Bila, the father of Titans head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

Mashimbyi was the Bishop’s last born son, and has taken much influence from his father, especially when it comes to faith.

“Our sincerest condolences and support go out to Mandla and his family at this terribly difficult time,” Titans interim CEO Pierre Joubert sympathised.

“This year has been devastating in so many ways, so we cannot even begin to imagine what this great loss feels like.”

Bishop M. W Bila was a trailblazer in the gospel, with a selfless heart and full of love. He was a man of God who preached all over South Africa and in Mozambique, a true giant and not only because of his size but because of his influence on others.

“By all accounts, the Bishop was a great man, a gentle giant who was a well of wisdom to those around him. We see so much of that in Mandla, both in stature and in deed around the Titans family. I am sure he was proud of the man Mandla became, because he was an excellent mentor,” Joubert added.