One of few strikers in South Africa to get past the 20-goal mark in a season during the Premier Soccer League era, Richard Henyekane, was killed in a car crash yesterday.
ONE of few strikers in South Africa to get past the 20-goal mark in a season during the Premier Soccer League era, Richard Henyekane, was killed in a car crash yesterday.
The forward, who was on the books of Free State Stars, only recently mourned the passing of his younger brother Joseph following a short illness in December.
The club confirmed that Richard, 31, was the driver and was travelling with four others in the vehicle when he was involved in a head-on collision with a truck between Kestel and Bethlehem in the Free State.
Ea Lla Koto, who are in a relegation scrap with only six league matches remaining, are not in action this week and will return to the pitch three days after burying Richard to host Ajax Cape Town at the Charles Mopeli Stadium.
Tributes poured in yesterday, with the ex-Bafana striker being remembered as a prolific goal-getter who earned himself the nickname "The Kimberley Express".
SA Football Association president Danny Jordaan said: "Richard's death comes at a time when we were not really done grieving the passing away of his brother Joseph. Safa would like to send out our deepest sympathies to the Henyekane family for their heartbreaking loss. While we don't know the full details surrounding Richard's death, the message to all is to be careful on the roads, be extra vigilant."
Henyekane was undoubtedly at his peak when he was playing for Golden Arrows, where he managed 23 goals in all competitions six years ago.
He couldn't produce the same form at Mamelodi Sundowns, forcing the club to first loan him out to Stars last season before eventually agreeing to sell him outright to the Bethlehem-based outfit.
Stars chairman Mike Mokoena said: "He [Richard] was one of the most established footballers in SA who will be remembered by many for his exploits in front of goals and his high work rate. He was a great player for our club and will be missed enormously."
PSL's chief executive Brand de Villiers said the death came as a big shock to the entire football family. "I cannot imagine the pain his family is going through, considering the fact that four months ago they buried Richard's younger brother Joseph."
Soccer bosses mourn Stars' ex-Bafana man
One of few strikers in South Africa to get past the 20-goal mark in a season during the Premier Soccer League era, Richard Henyekane, was killed in a car crash yesterday.
ONE of few strikers in South Africa to get past the 20-goal mark in a season during the Premier Soccer League era, Richard Henyekane, was killed in a car crash yesterday.
The forward, who was on the books of Free State Stars, only recently mourned the passing of his younger brother Joseph following a short illness in December.
The club confirmed that Richard, 31, was the driver and was travelling with four others in the vehicle when he was involved in a head-on collision with a truck between Kestel and Bethlehem in the Free State.
Ea Lla Koto, who are in a relegation scrap with only six league matches remaining, are not in action this week and will return to the pitch three days after burying Richard to host Ajax Cape Town at the Charles Mopeli Stadium.
Tributes poured in yesterday, with the ex-Bafana striker being remembered as a prolific goal-getter who earned himself the nickname "The Kimberley Express".
SA Football Association president Danny Jordaan said: "Richard's death comes at a time when we were not really done grieving the passing away of his brother Joseph. Safa would like to send out our deepest sympathies to the Henyekane family for their heartbreaking loss. While we don't know the full details surrounding Richard's death, the message to all is to be careful on the roads, be extra vigilant."
Henyekane was undoubtedly at his peak when he was playing for Golden Arrows, where he managed 23 goals in all competitions six years ago.
He couldn't produce the same form at Mamelodi Sundowns, forcing the club to first loan him out to Stars last season before eventually agreeing to sell him outright to the Bethlehem-based outfit.
Stars chairman Mike Mokoena said: "He [Richard] was one of the most established footballers in SA who will be remembered by many for his exploits in front of goals and his high work rate. He was a great player for our club and will be missed enormously."
PSL's chief executive Brand de Villiers said the death came as a big shock to the entire football family. "I cannot imagine the pain his family is going through, considering the fact that four months ago they buried Richard's younger brother Joseph."
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