JOHANNESBURG – The South African Under-17 men’s football team (Amajimbos), have been forced to cancel their two international practice matches in Swaziland this week following the death of Victor Gamedze, the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) vice-president.
Amajimbos were scheduled to travel to Swaziland on Wednesday for two international practice matches which were to take place on Thursday and Saturday.
Gamedze was shot dead on Sunday evening and Swaziland requested Amajimbos cancel the trip. Gamedze will be buried of Sunday.
Amajimbos manager, Barney Kujane said he understood the dilemma the death had caused.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gamedze and the football fraternity as a whole. This is a tragedy and we therefore understand and support their request to cancel our trip.
“The team will continue training in Johannesburg as we look to see if we can alter our plans and possibly get another neighbouring country to play at short notice,” said Kujane.
Amajimbos are in their first training camp of the year which was scheduled to conclude on Sunday.