Clinton Inene
Issa Hayatou, President of African soccer’s governing body, Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Monday expressed shock and dismay at the shooting of Senzo Robert Meyiwa, South Africa national team goalkeeper and Orlando Pirates player.
The South African Football Association, SAFA, has reported that Meyiwa was shot and killed in what was reported to be a robbery in Vosloorus in the East Rand, Johannesburg, on Sunday.
In a letter to Danny Jordaan, SAFA President, 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.
“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,” Hayatou wrote.
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 for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
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