Pretoria - South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Kirsten Nematandani, expressed his deepest condolences over the passing of Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana midfielder, Siphiwe Tshabalala's mother.
The late Rebecca Hadifele Tshabalala died on Sunday afternoon after being hospitalised for few days.
"On behalf of the football family, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Tshabalala family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you (Tshabalala family) in these difficult times.
"We wish you strength and good health as you come to terms with the bereavement. May the soul of Rebecca Hadifele Tshabalala rest in peace," he said.
Nematandani said the Tshabalala family has provided the country with a national asset and an inspiration to the youth in Siphiwe.
"As the football fraternity, we take solace in the knowledge that his late mother witnessed history together with billions of people around the world when her son (Siphiwe) scored the first goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," he said.
Rebecca's untimely death came shortly after her son scooped the Footballer of the Year for Bafana Bafana at the 2010 SAFA Awards last Friday.
On Saturday, the left footed player helped his club, Kaizer Chiefs, to successfully defend their Telkom Knock-out title by scoring one of the three goals against rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB stadium.
After the thrilling match, Shabba dedicated his club's victory to his then sick mother. Funeral arrangements are still being finalised.
