Johannesburg – South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, expressed his sadness at the death of South African soccer player Richard Henyekane who died in a car accident in in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Striker Henyekane made nine official appearances for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
“Henyekane’s passing is a great loss for our country and to the entire football fraternity,” Mbalula said. “He comes from a family of soccer players as his brother, Joseph Henyekane was also a professional footballer. Football in South Africa is poorer without him. On behalf of the government of South Africa, we send our deepest condolences to his family, to his other family, Free State stars and to all the football loving people of our country.”
Henyekane was currently a player for Free State Stars and the club broke the news of his death.
In a statement the club said: “Free State Stars hereby expresses its heartfelt condolences on the passing of star striker Richard Henyekane in the early hours of this morning.”
Henyekane was travelling with four other passengers when the accident happened.
“We wish to say to the Henyekane family that they must know that we are with them at all times, and trust that they will put all their sorrows in the hands of God the Almighty in this hard period,’ the club said. “‘To the Stars family of fans, sponsors, supporters and others we believe that this is a period in which you will remain steadfast in praying for Henyekane’s teammates as they come to terms with this sad moment.”
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation also sent its condolences to the family, saying: “South Africa’s football community is poorer with the loss of this talented star.” – ANA