MINISTER of Sports and Recreation South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba and Banyana Banyana Head coach, Vera Pauw all heaped praise on the late Orlando Pirates and national team number one goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, describing him as a selfless person whose blossoming career was cut short by a senseless deed.
Meyiwa was gunned down and declared dead at the hospital in what is reported to be a robbery in Vosloorus in the East Rand on Sunday October 26.
Meyiwa was in action on Saturday night when he helped the Buccaneers defeat Ajax Cape Town 4-1 at the Orlando Stadium in their Telkom Knockout quarterfinal.
Born on September 24, 1987, Senzo played seven times for Bafana Bafana, captaining them four times.
He has conceded just one goal, scored by Australian Tim Cahill in a friendly match earlier this year on May 26, 2014 in Australia.
Senzo also played in the u.17, u.20 and u.23 national teams of South Africa.
This was followed by condolences via letters to SAFA by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke. CAF President Issa Hayatou has expressed his shock at the news at he sudden death of Meyiwa.
FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter said via letter from the General Secretary, the international football community was gutted at the senseless killing of Meyiwa.
“Senzo will be sadly missed by his teammates and fans at Orlando Pirates and the national team, which he recently captained with great success in their latest qualifying matches. Please express my most heartfelt sympathy to all of Senzo’s loved ones and let them know that our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” said the FIFA President.
In a letter signed by CAF President Issa Hayatou, CAF said it was shocked and dismayed to learn about the “passing away of South Africa and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa”.
“Losing such a talented player and young gentleman is a tragedy for South Africa…Our thoughts are with the family and relatives.”
“Meyiwa was one of the most promising South African players and he took with great pride his responsibility as captain of both the national team and club. Words cannot describe our sadness,” read the letter signed by Hayatou on behalf of CAF, sending shock waves across the country and the world at the outrageous murder of the country’s number one goalkeeper and skipper.
“Senzo was a fighter; he never gave up and was a giant both for his club Pirates and the national team. He was a team player who had touched so many lives; he was a role model and a winner who dedicated the greater part of his life to serving his country.
“These heartless murderers can run but will not find a place to hide. We are all gutted as a country at this senseless killing. This is not the way we expected a hero like Senzo to say goodbye,” said an emotional Mbalula. “I used to call him Captain Fantastic.”
SAFA President Dr Jordaan said there was a proliferation of illegal guns in the hands of irresponsible people and it was high time the government introduced a law to curb this behavior.
“Isn’t it high time we introduce the Senzo Meyiwa gun law?” he asked rhetorically. “There are too many illegal guns around, and here is a young man eager to plough back into society mowed down without mercy. This cannot be allowed to continue,” said Dr Jordaan.
The SAFA President said he was still finding it difficult to come to terms that Senzo (Meyiwa) was no more.
“We will miss Senzo as a person, captain and an example for other players. He was a rare breed. We are very angry, gutted that there are people in society that can do this without a second thought (taking someone’s life),” said the SAFA President.
He said it was his urgent hope that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book and face the full might of the law.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be ashamed of themselves. This is inhuman.”
At the same time, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba said much as he didn’t want to accept that his captain was gone, he had to accept it for the sake of finding closure to the matter. “I had to drive there to see for myself,”
“Senzo never stopped smiling even when the chips were down. He once told me he had no time to get angry. What has upset me of all things was that Senzo died when he was starting to realise his cherished dream of leading the national team to dizzy heights. I have no words to describe my emotions,” said Mashaba.
His sentiments were also echoed by Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw, who said Senzo’s untimely death had robbed the nation of a true hero. “I can’t understand that someone will be killed for a phone.”
Upon hearing the news of his shooting, a SAFA delegation which included CEO Dennis Mumble rushed to the hospital where Senzo was taken to and declared dead.
“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 to his family, friends, relatives and football lovers at large. We will be part of the proceedings to ensure that he gets a dignified burial he deserves. As soon as all logistics are in place we will inform the media and public,” said SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble.
*Orlando Pirates learns of the untimely death of Senzo Meyiwa
Orlando Pirates Football Club ?family has learned with sadness of the untimely death of our number one goalkeeper and current captain Senzo Meyiwa.
Irvin Khoza, chairman of Orlando Pirates Soccer Club issued a statement saying: “His is a sad loss whichever way you look at it – to Senzo’s family, his extended family, Orlando Pirates and to the nation.”
*PSL CEO Statement on the ABSA Premiership Soweto Derby
Premier Soccer League (PSL) CEO Brand de Villiers has announced that the ABSA Premiership Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs scheduled for Saturday November 1 has been postponed.
This follows a request by Orlando Pirates for a postponement in the wake of passing on of club captain and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa.
De Villiers said: “We received a request from Orlando Pirates this morning to have the postponement of this weekend’s fixture, and this request was granted by the League. On behalf of the PSL we would like to once again convey our heartfelt condolences to Orlando Pirates family and Senzo Meyiwa’s family during this difficult and tragic moment.”
*Bobby Malabie, Group Executive for Marketing, Communications, Citizenship and Public Affairs at Barclays Africa Group, said: “As title sponsor of the ABSA Premiership, ABSA fully supports the Premier Soccer League’s decision to postpone the Soweto Derby following the tragic passing of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. ABSA will continue to offer any support we can during this difficult time.”
Meyiwa was a true champion of the Carling Black Label Cup, having participated in all four editions of the cup since 2010. His heroic efforts in goals helped his team win the cup three times and are undoubtedly hailed as one of the players that made the Carling Black Label Cup what it is today.
*“On behalf of Carling Black Label, we extend our deepest condolences to Orlando Pirates, his family, friends and the entire football fraternity for this tragic loss of one of the best goalkeepers we have seen in the country. The passing of a Champion of Senzo Meyiwa’s calibre certainly leaves us in great sadness” said Govindsamy.
The Carling Black Label Cup will forever treasure Senzo Meyiwa for the fearless champion he was.
Rest in peace, Champion.
*ABSA mourns the sudden passing of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa
ABSA, sponsor of ABSA Premiership, is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.
Maria Ramos, Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Africa Group said: ”On behalf of all my Barclays Africa colleagues, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Senzo Meyiwa and the entire footballing community.”
*Netball South Africa
“We are deeply saddened and reminded today about the dedication and diligence that Senzo displayed on the soccer field playing for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. It is heartbreaking to have learnt of the passing of our sporting star. To the Meyiwa family we send you our prayers and wish you every strength in this difficult time. May the passing of time make your grief easier to bear. To all Senzo’s colleagues and supporters at SAFA, Bafana Bafana, the PSL, Orlando Pirates and the wider sporting fraternity, may you always cherish the memories that you shared and forever carry Senzo in your hearts.
God bless you,” says Mimi Mthethwa, President Netball South Africa. “May his soul rest in peace.”
