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Meyiwa's memorial: Khune and Lucky Lekgwathi inconsolable

Itumeleng Khune and Lucky Lekgwathi were inconsolable as their teammate Meyiwa's orbituary was read out.

The two players from two Soweto rival teams, hugged each other and swapped handkerchiefs to wipe the tears from their faces.

Itumeleng Khune leads a song as he says #SenzoMeyiwa loved singing. pic.twitter.com/Cr8ZWAjDSN

 

As Khune gave his eulogy to late Senzo Meyiwa, he talked about how he and the late football player started competing when they were only 16 years old. He said both him and Senzo have given their coaches headaches. One said "If only I could cut you guys in half".

He added that he bought Senzo KFC when he was promoted to Orlando Pirates' first team and Senzo did the same when Khune was promoted to Kaizer Chief's first team.

Khune took time out to further diminish rumours that there was a feud between himself and Senzo.

"We always shared rooms."

 

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said that he feels he has lost two brothers and a sister as they all fight the same battle. 

"To the families of the fallen heroes, I have kids of my own and if these were my kids I would be very proud," said De Villiers.

The lives of the three fallen athletes must be celebrated, said Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba at the joint memorial service in Johannesburg.

"I am disappointed because we have turned this (memorial service) into a somber situation. We are here to celebrate," said Mashaba as vuvuzela's filled the indoor stadium at the Standard Bank Arena.

People gathered at the joint memorial service of the three sports stars that passed away on three consecutive days in October.

Track and field athlete Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, boxing queen Phindile Mwelase and Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa passed away on October 24, 25 and 26 consecutively. 

Mulaudzi was killed during a car accident as he made his way to a meeting in Johannesburg. Mwelase died after spending about two months in a coma after collapsing during a boxing match. Meyiwa was shot dead at his girlfriend's home in Vosloorus on Sunday.

Mashaba said that Meyiwa was a happy person who cared very little about the team jerseys but held soccer balls close to his heart. 

He said that Meyiwa would carry all the balls during their training sessions and would motivate the players during the training. 

Mashaba said the management team values Meyiwa a lot because "he was the link between technical staff and the players".

Tears flowed and chants could be heard from one of the stadium to the other as South African celebrated as mourned the lives of the sports stars.

SAFA President Danny Jordan thanked the fans that filled the stadium as he said they are the nerve centre of football.

 

 

 

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