By More Matshediso
Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu will today join Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza on a visit to the Meyiwa family in Umlazi following the Bafana captain’s passing.
The Premier on Monday said Meyiwa’s fatal shooting has inflicted irreparable damage on the entire nation and that “the pain is immeasurable across the province [of KwaZulu-Natal] and Umlazi township, where Senzo spent his childhood”.
“Hours after we received the news of the passing away of Senzo, we are still in deep shock. We bow our heads in honour of this young and committed son of this province,” Premier Mchunu said.
He said Meyiwa represented a new generation of soccer players that carried the aspirations and hopes of many, especially the youth.
“He had the strength, stamina and played with a high level of commitment. He was a quick thinker and strategist, who had the ability to turn the soccer game around with the sheer flick of his hands,” said the Premier.
He said Meyiwa was highly driven and made a profound impact on and off the field. “His influence will remain with us long after his departure.”
The Premier also commended Khoza for his leadership during this period.
“As government, we offer to Orlando Pirates and the Meyiwa family our support during this sad moment. We hope the family will amass enough strength and courage to deal with this sad loss,” said Premier Mchunu.
Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC in KZN, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, has also expressed her deepest condolences to the Meyiwa family.
“KwaZulu-Natal is proud of having produced such a gifted athlete to the service of the nation. His abilities as a footballer were beyond question.
“Through his contribution, Bafana Bafana’s performance in the Afcon qualifiers has been impressive, keeping a clean sheet for the national team. Indeed, we have been robbed of his exceptional talent,” she said.
Meyiwa’s passing comes as the country still mourns the tragic death of another sport icon, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi.
“As we mourn their death, we must find solace in the fact that they both left a legacy that we are all proud of,” the MEC said.
Meyiwa was the captain of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. He died after being shot in an apparent robbery on Sunday. - SAnews.gov.za
