Tuesday 28 October 2014 06:54, UK
South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba has expressed his devastation following the death of captain Senzo Meyiwa.
Shakes Mashaba paid tribute to Meyiwa, 27, who was shot at his girlfriend's home yesterday in an attempted robbery near Johannesburg.
The shooting happened just 24 hours after he played for the Orlando Pirates in their win over Ajax Cape Town.
Mashaba said: "Senzo was not just a goalkeeper.
“He was a peacemaker. That's the biggest thing I remember about him.
"A good guy like Senzo will never just vanish. His spirit will live forever."
Mashaba was joined at the press conference by Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.
He said: "It's not easy to hold back emotions especially on an event like this one. Senzo was not an ordinary player.
“He was a national and club captain.
“It was only natural that there would have been some tears this morning. I encouraged it
"Senzo has been here since he was 13 years old. And he has written his legacy in this club. He put us on the map around the world.”
The club have announced this weekend's derby between the Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs has been postponed out of respect for the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has told of his sadness at the news.
The former South Africa international said: "First of all, I want to express my sincere sympathy to Senzo’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“To lose your life at a young age when you have so much ahead of you is tragic and very difficult to understand.
“Our nation has lost a popular sportsman and he will be sadly missed."
Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association, also paid tribute to Meyiwa and called for new gun laws to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
He said: “There are too many illegal guns around and here is a young man eager to plough back into society mowed down without mercy.
“This cannot be allowed to continue.”
He added: “We will miss Senzo as a person, captain and an example for other players.”
