Sudan venue moved to honour Meyiwa

Cape Town - The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between South Africa and Sudan has been moved from Nelspruit to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the SAFA said.

The encounter, scheduled for November 15, was moved to Durban following SAFA's request to CAF to play the match in Senzo Meyiwa's hometown.

"We felt as an Association it was proper and fitting that this match be played in Durban to honour our fallen hero since he hailed from this part of the world," SAFA president Danny Jordaan said on Thursday.

"The team will visit the Meyiwa family and the graveyard. This will give the team the opportunity for closure.

"We believe it will be a perfect send-off for Meyiwa after the heroics of the player helped the national team find itself in such a good position."

Meyiwa, who captained Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates, was shot dead while visiting his girlfriend in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday.

Bafana Bafana were top of Group A with eight points after four matches in the AFCON qualifiers. The team had not conceded in those matches with Meyiwa in goal while captaining the team.

Congo was lying second with seven points followed by Nigeria on four while Sudan were bottom of the table with three points.

Jordaan urged the fans to be part of this important and historical match.

"Senzo would have been proud to don the national team jersey and lead his charges; Bafana Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba has confirmed he was always first on his list.

"We now urge the fans to come in numbers to make this a memorable farewell to our beloved hero whose wonderful performance put South Africa in an advantageous position to qualify for Morocco.

"Go out and get your tickets to be part of the festivities in honour of Senzo."

Meyiwa will be buried in Umlazi, near Durban, on Saturday.

Fans who bought tickets for Mbombela would get a refund or be able to exchange their tickets for the Durban encounter.