KHS cricketer laid to rest

Family, friends and the schooling community at large recently paid tribute to Krugersdorp High School (KHS) cricketer Retshegofetse Sennelo who died following an on-field freak accident on February 1.

Retshegofetse was laid to rest a week later on Saturday, February 8.

According to the family spokesperson and uncle of the learner, Pastor Joe Mabuela, his last memory of his nephew was just a few hours before he would travel to Boksburg to play cricket.

• Read the initial article here: KHS cricketer dies following on-field freak accident

“I remember him as a very enthusiastic and ambitious young man. He played for the school’s first team cricket and I remember speaking to him a day before that he should just stay at home, however, he was fully committed to playing the match. I can understand because before that he was on the sidelines due to an injury which stopped him from playing. He was always adamant to prove himself and excel in his extra mural activities,” Mabuela said.

Later that day, the family was informed by the team’s coach that the learner was involved in a freak accident and would require treatment.

”We were communicating with the coach from the afternoon up until we were informed of his death after they had completed his surgery. We were devastated after hearing the news.”

After seeing multiple reports across various media outlets, the family wanted to clarify some facts which they confirmed to the Krugersdorp News that were incorrect.

”We saw several reports from the media and government officials that Retshegofetse had health complications before the accident occurred, which is incorrect. He was always a healthy and fit young man. On top of that we were also made aware of other reports that he passed away before the doctors could begin to treat him, we can confirm that he was alive before he made it to Sunward Park Hospital and that he passed away 10 hours later.”

He also confirmed that Retshegofetse was a young person with high spirits and positive energy.

”He had a good sense of humour, I would rarely see a frown on his face and he was always the comedian of the family uplifting our spirits any chance he got.”

Mabuela added that his nephew was into sports for the longest time having received accolades for his efforts such as playing for the KHS first team and also making the Gauteng provincial team.

Baily along with the community at large poured the family with tributes as they continued to grieve for their loss.

”Thanks must go to the surgeon and medical staff at the hospital for everything they did in trying to save Retshegofetse’s life. Also, we want to thank the principal of CBC Boksburg, who was in touch with me following the incident. He also offered his sincere condolences to the Sennelo family.”