CAF mourns slain Bafana Bafana captain

President Issa Hayatou of African soccer’s governing body, CAF on Monday expressed shock and dismay at the shooting to death of Orlando Pirates player, Senzo Robert Meyiwa.

The late player was also the South Africa national team goalkeeper.


The South African Football Association has reported that Meyiwa was shot and killed in what is reported to be a robbery in Vosloorus in the East Rand, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

In a letter to SAFA President, Danny Jordaan, quoted by CAF’s official website, Hayatou said words alone could not express the sadness caused by Meyiwa’s demise.

“It is with shock and dismay that CAF has learnt about the passing away of South Africa and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa.

“Losing such a talented player and a young gentleman is a tragedy for South African and African football, and our thoughts are with his family and relatives,” Hayatou wrote.

He said, “Meyiwa was one of the most promising South African players and he took with great pride and responsibility his role as captain of both the national team and his club Orlando Pirates.

“Words cannot express enough our sadness.

“In my personal name, on behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and the entire African football family, we present to the family of the deceased, to SAFA, to Orlando Pirates and to all those who knew Meyiwa our deepest condolences.”

PANA reports that Meyiwa was shot dead during a botched robbery in Vosloorus when two men entered his girlfriend’s home and demanded cellphones.

The 27-year-old, who was shot in the back, died soon afterwards. He was with six friends, none of whom was injured.

No arrests have been made, but the police have offered a reward of 15,000 dollars for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

NAN