SHOCK and anger are the order of the day as family, friends and fans mourn the death of Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa.
The 27-year-old South African and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper, who is originally from Umlazi, was shot in an alleged robbery in Vosloorus in the East Rand on Sunday, 26 October.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the KZN ANC branch have offered their condolences to the family of Meyiwa and expressed their fury over his killing.
“It is still unreal. The news is just sinking in. We cannot believe he could be gone so soon, when he was at the prime of his game for both club and country. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and relatives as well as well as football lovers at large. We will be part of the proceedings to ensure he gets a dignified burial that he deserves. As soon as all logistics are in place we will inform the media and public,” said SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble on the SAFA website.
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan added: “We are shocked and devastated by the tragic news. Here was a man who was an integral part of the revolution of our beloved national team under Shakes Mashaba. For him to leave like this is shocking. As an association we expected so much from him, the nation had pinned their hopes on him following brilliant displays in the Bafana Bafana jersey, moreso in the recent Afcon matches where he kept a clean sheet in all four games. We will surely miss him.”
The KZN branch of the ANC added their sympathies in an email statement: “This brutal and heinous killing has robbed our country of a talented star and his demise is indeed a major loss. Many people in our province have been looking up to him as their role model. This young man excelled in his sport and brought us much pride and joy. As the ANC, we send our condolences to his family, the Orlando Pirates players and supporters, as well as the entire soccer fraternity, both in the country and the world as a whole,” said ANC provincial secretary, Sihle Zikalala.
“At this time our thoughts are with his family, his club Orlando Pirates, the football family in general. Shakes Mashaba was going to announce his squad to face Sudan and Nigeria on Thursday and I would like to believe Senzo’s name was going to be the first because he has been a pillar in Bafana Bafana’s recent matches, making incredible saves to keep the team in the match. May his soul rest in peace,” said Dr Jordaan.
