Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana and Cardiff City player Kagisho Dikgacoi has urged South African police to swiftly arrest the killers of his teammate, Senzo Meyiwa.
“We cannot tolerate such behaviour (sic) which will go unpunished,” Dikgacoi said in a statement issued by the South African Football Association.
Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper Meyiwa, 27, was shot dead in Vosloorus, Gauteng, on Sunday.
“The police must work round the clock to bring his killers to book. This is just not on, we can't go on like this as a country.”
Dikgacoi, who has 54 Bafana appearances to his name and plies his trade for the English championship side, was shocked when he heard the news.
“It is hard to believe he is really gone. Even now I find it difficult to think of him as the deceased.
“Why Senzo? When I got the news last night I called around from my place in England to South Africa and when it was even confirmed I still phoned more people because I could not believe it.”
Fellow Bafana teammate Reneilwe Letsholonyane paid tribute to Meyiwa's ability.
“On the field we all know he did his job magnificently for his club and represented his country with pride,” said Letsholonyane.
“Senzo was a very good goalkeeper and facing him in the Kaizer Chiefs-Orlando Pirates derby was always a challenge because he was very competitive.”
Bafana and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Dean Furman said Meyiwa's leadership was outstanding.
“He was a lovely leader, outstanding person whose performance on the field was unbelievable, something we can all learn from him. He will sorely be missed,” said Furman.
“This is just terrible news, very awful and it's hard to even think about anything else. When death strikes near you, it sort of puts life into perspective.” - Sapa