Proteas pay tribute to fallen SA sportsmen
Cricket South Africa have paid tribute after the tragic deaths of two South African sporting icons, former world athletics champion, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain, Senzo Meyiwa, at the weekend.
Mulaudzi, an 800m runner who won silver at the 2004 Olympics and gold at the 2009 World Championships, was killed in a car crash on 24 October. Meyiwa. South Africa’s skipper, was murdered by home invaders on Sunday night.
Proteas Test captain, Hashim Amla, and ODI captain, AB de Villiers, paid tribute on behalf of the team.
Amla said: “Death is never an easy situation to deal with, especially when the person was held in high esteem and admiration amongst his peers and the soccer-loving South African public.
“We send our deep-hearted condolences to his family and loved ones, we share in your pain. Let’s also take this time to appreciate Senzo’s young life and achievements, he made a big impact for Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates at an early age and should be remembered for that.”
De Villiers added: “It’s an incredibly sad day for sport in South Africa. I didn’t know Senzo personally but our team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, knew him reasonably well and speaks fondly of his astute professionalism and talent.
“South African soccer has lost a leader, skilled player and more importantly a young passionate soul. I hope everyone will pull together during this tough time.
“On behalf of the Proteas, I’d like to send our deepest and sincerest condolences to his family, friends and team-mates during this tough time.”
CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat also had a few words: “This is a very sad time for South African sport. Mbulaeni was a wonderful ambassador for athletics both on and off the track. He won gold medals at both the IAAF World Championships and the Indoor Championships as well as the Commonwealth Games and was the No. 1 ranked athlete in his discipline in both 2006 and 2007.
“Senzo has been an inspirational leader both of the national soccer team and of Orlando Pirates. This year he has led Bafana Bafana to the top of a tough group that also includes defending champions, Nigeria, in the qualifying rounds for the African Cup of Nations.
“On behalf of the CSA family I extend our deepest condolences to the many people who have been deeply affected by this double tragedy.”
Latest
-
IndiaRohit Sharma returns to lead India on white ball series against West Indies
Rohit Sharma has passed fit.
-
T20 cricketEngland prospect Tom Banton hopes improved glovework can boost his credentials
The big-hitting batter donned the gloves for England’s third Twenty20 against the West Indies.
-
T20 cricketEngland in the West Indies: Captain Eoin Morgan to miss remainder of series
The batter suffered a minor thigh injury ahead of the third of five T20 internationals.
-
The HundredThe Hundred: Southern Brave to launch defence against Welsh Fire in August
Reigning women’s champions Oval Invincibles will take on Northern Superchargers in their opening match.
-
T20 cricketEngland in the West Indies: Phil Salt savours T20 debut despite defeat in Barbados
The 25-year-old was bowled for 57 from 24 balls in the country where he lived as a child.
-
EnglandCOVID-19 bubbles: Paul Collingwood scared of long-term impact on players
Collingwood suspects the restrictive conditions players have had to deal with may have inhibited performance levels.
-
-
The AshesWomen’s Ashes: England feel ‘pretty positive’ after first day of Test – Nat Sciver
England captain Heather Knight won the toss and elected to put Australia in to bat.
-
The AshesWomen’s Ashes: England let promising start slip as Meg Lanning piles on 93
The visitors’ lack of preparation time showed as both of the hosts’ openers were dropped on scores of 44 and 14.
-
T20 cricketEngland in West Indies: Tourists powerless to resist destructive Rovman Powell
Tom Banton top-scored for the tourists who suffered a 20-run defeat in Barbados to trail 2-1 in the five-match series.