By: Nomvula Ndlovu

Renowned Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana Captain, Senzo “Nzori” Meyiwa, was given a hero’s send off at his funeral on Saturday.

The Meyiwa family, government officials, the Orlando Pirates team and supports assembled at the Moses Mabhida stadium to celebrate Meyiwa’s life.

He was shot dead at Kelly Khumalo’s home in Voslorus on Sunday the 26th of October 2014. After years of waiting on the Orlando Pirates bench, he was finally given a chance and made a success of it.

His flag-draped casket was led by the South African Police Service marshals band in honour of the hero.

The South African Football Federation President, Danny Jordan, described Meyiwa as a leader.

“As SAFA, we pass our sincerest condolences, we send our hearts out, in support, on this difficult day. We are gathered here to say our final farewell to Senzo our captain, who charted a new path for Bafana Bafana and left Bafana Bafana very close to qualifying for Morocco in 2015.”

He added,” His life has been taken in the most cruel and violent way- it has generated outrage throughout the global membership of FIFA.”

On behalf on the family, Nokuthula Meyiwa expressed her gratitude for the support.

“I would like to thank you all for the support we received from the South African government.  This day would not have been what it is if it wasn’t for them.”

She went on to say her goodbyes to her beloved brother-” Rest in peace Senzo, you will always stay in our hearts. Your last wish was to see Bafana Bafana progress to Morocco in 2015. We know that you are slowly paving the way for them.”

After viewing a video commemorating Meyiwa’s life, Orlando Pirates Chairperson Irvin Khoza was speechless.

The South African number one goalkeeper was laid in his final resting place at the Heroes Acre in Chesterville.