Hearing the roaring sounds of the vuvuzelas in the iconic Moses Mabhida stadium, one would think that a soccer derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs was taking place.
However, this was not the case as thousands of soccer fans gathered at the stadium to pay tribute and their last respects to South Africa’s football hero, Senzo Meyiwa.
The Bafana Bafana captain was shot and killed in cold blood by alleged robbers at Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus, on Sunday, October 26.
Among the high profile guests present at the service were premier of KZN, Senzo Mchunu, president of SAFA, Danny Jordaan, Orlando Pirates owner, Irvin Khoza, minister of sport, Fikile Mbalula, Meyiwa’s wife, Mandisa, his family, local MECs and parliamentarians, and the entire soccer fraternity.
Speakers spoke of the gunned down soccer star’s contribution towards the beautiful game of soccer and how he added new impetus in the Bafana Bafana ranks.
He was not only talented and loyal but also played an important role in unifying and picking up the morale in the Bafana camps.
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula’s speech at the funeral
He will be remembered for a long time to come and will definitely go down in the annals of sporting journals. Local fans wept as images of the late Meyiwa were shown on big screens around the stadium.
Fans braved the inclement to show their love and respect to their national captain. During the ceremony, one fan was escorted by security guards as it is believed she was under the influence of alcohol and caused a public disturbance.
Despite the isolated incident, fans continued to sing songs of praise for the beloved Meyiwa. The humble captain and soccer legend will forever be missed.
Source: Chatsworth Rising Sun
Senzo Meyiwa’s Funeral as described by Twitter
I love this photo. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/sZFa7LAmnM
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) November 1, 2014
Life’s too short. We should be watching a Soweto Derby now not burying our national captain. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa #StopCrime @Abramjee
— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) November 1, 2014
#RIPSenzoMeyiwa Watching. Heavy heart. Loss of life. Young life. Senseless. RSA legacy?
— Pabi Moloi (@PabiMoloi) November 1, 2014
#RIPSenzoMeyiwa #Buccaneer pic.twitter.com/os6OHRzyYK
— Nomsa Maseko (@nomsa_maseko) October 28, 2014
Thoughts with family, players & fans of @Orlando_Pirates & @BafanaBafana. A senseless, tragic loss. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/fesRHthOP0
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 27, 2014