Pirates send condolences to Free State Stars and Henyekane family

The chairman of the Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates Football Club, Dr Irvin ‘Iron Duke’ Khoza has conveyed his condolences and those of Pirates to Free State Stars and the Henyekane family following the sad and untimely passing of Stars striker Richard Henyekane.

Henyekane, who played for Golden Arrows, Mamelodi Sundowns and Free State Stars, passed away on the morning of 7 April in a car accident.

“It is always sad to hear about the passing of young people who we expect, because of their age and good health, to still have a lot of years ahead of them. This untimely passing of players has afflicted the league heavily lately,” said Khoza.

“I remember Richard especially because the last goal he scored was against Orlando Pirates Football Club on 6 May last year at Charles Mopeli Stadium. He scored in the 90th minute against Senzo Meyiwa. He was that special breed of player that came out of the Northern Cape.

“I will forever remember him for his vibrancy. He played his best football at Golden Arrows where his scoring abilities were noteworthy.

“I especially want to thank Mike Mokoena for the interventions and life skills support Free State Stars provided to Richard when he faced challenges.”

Khoza said he was taking this moment to pass his condolences and those of his club to the Henyekane family and Stars.

“It has to be even more difficult to lose two sons in such a short passage of time. May his soul repose peacefully,” he said.

Meanwhile, the league will observe a moment of silence before matches for the late former Bafana Bafana and Stars striker, Henyekane. This applied at this week’s Absa Premiership on 8 April, and will pertain to all matches of the National First Division as well as Nedbank Cup quarterfinal fixtures over the coming weekend.