"I wish I could just take all of these flowers and sprinkle them on that mountain top," says Hansie Cronje's mother as she surveys the profusion of bouquets that have arrived since the fatal crash on a lonely slope.
As ordinary people have rallied to the family in their grief, an avalanche of tributes, even including food parcels, has filled the house and Hansie's mother, San-Marie, can no longer keep track of everything.
"My worker has taken all the cards off the parcels and put them in one basket. I don't know who sent what any more," she said.
The circular dining-room table is cluttered with dishes of food and the arrangements of flowers fill every available space. The entrance hall to the home is also lined with bouquets of flowers.
Earlier San-Marie burst into tears as she was given a picture of Hansie with the flag of Grey College, his old school, superimposed on it. Both she and husband Ewie said they had been overwhelmed by the support they had received.
"The support has been fantastic especially from Grey College. Everybody has just been marvellous," Ewie Cronje said.
While planning the funeral arrangements and answering incessant local calls, Ewie still finds time to speak to people calling him from all over the world. "We've had calls from Russia, Abu Dhabi, Athens, Namibia and Australia. There have been a lot of calls from Australia and England as well."
One of the calls from England was from Alan Donald, who was determined to attend the funeral and left Heathrow for SA last night after a game for Worcestershire.
"I've told him not to because it is too expensive just to come for one day," San-Marie said. Donald has to fly back in the evening to play in a one-day match.
Among others expected to attend the service are the Defence Minister, Mosiuoa Lekota, who is a member of Grey's governing body, and members of the national cricket team.
Captain Shaun Pollock has also returned from England.
"I know that all of the cricketers who are here will attend," Neethling said.
Bronwyn Wilkinson, speaking for the United Cricket Board, said although she knew Pollock would be at the funeral, she could not confirm the attendance of other players. "It is a private matter for the players to decide."
Others expected are Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener and Gary Kirsten.
Louise Klopper, in charge of funeral arrangements, said Cronje's body would be cremated after a family ceremony.
- The funeral will be televised live today on SABC3, M-Net and SuperSport1 at 2pm.