Saturday Star

Meyiwa, a ‘beautiful, human being’

Manager remembers star goalkeeper

- SAMEER NAIK

F THERE was one thing that stood out for Mike Makaab about his client Senzo Meyiwa, it was the goalkeeper’s ability to remain humble and grounded throughout his footballin­g career.

Makaab, who had known the Orlando Pirates captain since the age of 13, said Meyiwa never once let fame go to his head.

“He remained the Senzo I first saw as a young boy. He was Godfearing, humble, kind and true to himself,” Makaab said.

The Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates skipper was gunned down at his girlfriend’s Kelly Khumalo’s home in Vosloorus on Sunday.

Meyiwa was shot in the chest by a single round and was declared dead on arrival at Botshelong Hospital.

Makaab, the chief executive of Prosport Internatio­nal, a com-

Ipany that manages sportsmen, said he was battling to come to terms with his friend’s death.

“I feel heartbroke­n, especially for the family and friends he has left behind. His death has left a hole in my heart.

“My only consolatio­n, is that he is now in a better place and I know that we will see each other again in a happier place.”

Over the years, Makaab watched Meyiwa develop as a footballer and became closer to him when the goalkeeper signed up with Prosport Internatio­nal.

Makaab’s son played with Meyiwa in the KwaZulu-Natal junior provincial football team.

“Senzo was a ‘son’ of Prosport, we truly loved him.”

He said he had spoken to Meyiwa a week ago to discuss commercial opportunit­ies.

He was meant to meet Meyiwa this week to talk about future plans.

“Our marketing team had diarised to meet this Monday, which we called “Senzo day” to discuss his brand-building and future opportunit­ies for him. Sadly, this was not to be.”

The 27-year-old goalkeeper

 ??  ?? MIKE MAKAAB
MIKE MAKAAB

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