It was very sad to hear the tragic news about Senzo Meyiwa.
A top man on and off the field of play. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family, Orlando Pirates, Bafana Bafana and the world as a whole.
The last time I saw Meyiwa was last Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium when his team lost to my favourites, Mpumalanga Black Aces, 2-1. Had I known that would be our last goodbye, I would have said goodbye mate.
I am not an Orlando Pirates fan. Those who know me, know which team is in my heart. As our former and late state president, Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to unite people, irrespective of their race.”
I met Meyiwa while I was a sport reporter for Sowetan during my short stint in Johannesburg. We became friends then. Eventually when I had a chance to call him, he would have a chance to speak to me.
Even my nephew – Bafo Nkosi – can testify to that. The last time I asked Bafo who his favourite professional player was, he told me it was Meyiwa. I know that his influence to idolise Meyiwa come from his father because he is a Buccaneer.
But one good thing I knew from Meyiwa was that he was humble. When Bafo recently told me he wants to have a photo with Meyiwa, I called him and told him about the boy’s wish.
Being the Meyiwa I knew, he gladly agreed. Bafo got the opportunity to be photographed with his hero. The photo, every time whenever I visits my brother’s place, is still hanging on my brother’s wall.
That’s the Meyiwa I knew. This coming Saturday I was planning to travel to Johannesburg to watch the derby between Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. I will no longer do so.
My photographic mentors always tell me that a photo keep memories. For you Meyiwa, the photo you allowed me to take with my nephew will be forever remind me of you.
Meyiwa, you were truly a model to our kids and South Africa. You will be forever remembered. The four clean sheets you have kept in the past four games you have been in Bafana Bafana’s goal post.
You will be remembered.
You have been an inspiration to our youth. May your soul rest in peace. But death be not proud. “One short sleep past, we wake eternally. And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.”
Rest in peace.
