REACTION: Senzo Meyiwa's death

ERNIE ELS TWEETS HIS CONDOLENCES

So Sorry to hear the very sad news today. Our prayers go out to our Soccer Captains family. RIP Senzo Meyiwa Very Sad

— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) October 27, 2014

GEORGE MALULEKA - GONE 2 SOON

The Lord never fails us. I strongly believe you lived your life and definitely left a mark. Gone 2 soon. RIP my brother. Senzo Meyiwa

— George Maluleka (@GeorgeMaluleka) October 27, 2014

DEAN FURMAN: HE WAS VERY FRIENDLY

"He was very respectful, very friendly and he was just the nicest guy you could wish to meet."

"He had a lot of great relationships within the team, kept everyone together and his performances were exemplary."

"We don't know what happened but whatever has it's a life taken away far too soon."

"I was with him three weeks ago and I've got a picture in my phone that keeps going through my head,

"We were in Congo for one of the recent qualifiers and the picture was when we were last together. It shows how happy he was and how well he was doing."

Quotes courtesy of BBC Sport.

SENZO WAS A PIRATES STALWART - MARK FISH

"He's been an absolute stalwart for Orlando Pirates.

"The news is very disappointing for Orlando Pirates and South Africa football fans but also devastating for his family.

"I'm sure he'll be remembered for the good things he did on the football field.

"He showed a lot of passion and commitment." said the ex-Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender.

BUCS PLAYERS INCONSOLABLE

Inconsolable players and officials of Orlando Pirates converged at the Rand Stadium on Monday morning to mourn the death of goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa.

TEKO: YOU WON'T BE FORGOTTEN

"Senzo you will not be forgotten" - Teko Modise

BANYANA BANYANA COACH EXPRESSES HER SADNESS

Coach Vera Pauw sends her condolences to the Meyiwa family @SAFA_net @Orlando_Pirates

— BanyanaBanyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 27, 2014

DANNY JORDAAN ANGRY

SAFA President: We are angry & gutted that society can do this to someone like Senzo. Perpetrators of such heinous crime must face the law

— Dominic Chimhavi (@DChimhavi) October 27, 2014

NEW INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT

EWN are reporting that "Senzo Meyiwa was NOT trying to protect anyone. He was actually making his way to the door when he got shot."

TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO FLOOD IN

FIFA's Secretary General Jerome Valcke has also written to SAFA, expressing sadness and shock at the untimely passing of Bafana Bafana star Senzo Meyiwa.

IT'S HARD TO ACCEPT - TEKO MODISE

"It has been very hard to accept what has happened in the past few hours.

"The football industry has lost a son and a dear friend indeed.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Senzo Meyiwa.

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. We have all lost a fellow soldier and a friend in the world that we live.

"Senzo you will not be forgotten. You have touched the lives of many and will forever live in our memories.

"May your soul rest in peace Bhakaniya!" wrote Teko Modise on his website.

MICHO SADDENED BY MEYIWA NEWS

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, former Orlando Pirates coach gave Senzo Meyiwa his first taste of senior team football at Orlando Pirates.

“This is very sad,” said Sredojevic.

Talking about handing Senzo his debut, Micho said: "He was in the youth team in 2006 and I gave him chance for the senior team in the game against AmaZulu where he did so well,”

LET US ACCEPT CRUEL REALITY

Shakes Mashba: @SenzoMey1 always smiled and was a team player @BafanaBafana . Let us accept the cruel reality

— Dominic Chimhavi (@DChimhavi) October 27, 2014

SHAKES DROVE TO VOSLOORUS

"He could never get cross" - Shakes Mashaba, who has made his way to SAFA house.

"When I heard the news I couldn't believe it. I drove to Vooslorus to see for myself. I was devastated."

WE'VE LOST A WINNER

Fikile Mbalula: "We've lost a role, patriot and a great winner. He dedicated his life to his teams."

"Once again, my deepest condolences. Senzo was a tower amongst many"

WE WILL FIND THEM - MBALULA

"These criminals can run but they can't hide. We will find them."

PIRATES PRAISED

"Thank you Orlando Pirates for giving a youngster from dusty streets in South Africa a chance to shine." - Mbalula

SENZO A HARD WORKER - FIKILE MBALULA

"Senzo worked for every accolade he achieved.

"He always showed good qualities of leadership." - Mbalula

NO GRAVE BIG ENOUGH FOR SENZO - MBALULA

"Senzo was a star and the criminals have robbed us of his brightness."

"There is no grave big enough for Senzo."

THE DEVIL HAS DUG DEEP - SPORTS MINISTER

"The devil has dug deep in our pockets taking Senzo away from us, a national asset." - Fikile Mbalula

SAFA PRESS CONFERENCE UNDERWAY

At SAFA Press Conference: observing a moment of silent for @SenzoMey1. In attendance @MbalulaFikile and SAFA President @DannyJordaan

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 27, 2014

MEYIWA'S CELL PHONE WASN'T STOLEN - PHIYEGA

"the cellphone that was stolen didn't belong to Meyiwa and was on the charger at the time it was stolen" according to Riah Phiyega.

RHOO SPEECHLESS

Tragic news abt the passing of @orlandopirates @BafanaBafana captain. Sad sad news don't know wat to say......

— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) October 27, 2014

PHIYEGA REVEALS SUSPECT INFO

"suspect info so far... Two believed to be in late twenties, one in early thirties"

"suspect info (1) tall, slender, dark with dreadlocks (2) short, dark and well built." 

CAF PRESIDENT ISSA HAYATOU SHOCKED BY NEWS

"It is with shock and dismay that CAF has learnt about the passing away of South Africa and Orlando Pirates captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. Losing such a talented player and young gentlemen is a tragedy for South African and African football, and our thoughts are with his family and relatives," Hayatou said.

"Meyiwa was one of the most promising South African players and he took with great pride and responsibility his role as Captain of both the national team and his club Orlando Pirates. Words cannot express enough our sadness."

"In my personal name, on behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and the entire African football family, we present to the family of the deceased, to SAFA, to Orlando Pirates and to all those who knew Meyiwa our deepest condolences," Hayatou said.

INFORMATION REWARD INCREASED

Phiyega: "R250 000 reward on offer for anyone who comes forward with info that will lead to arrests."

MORE INFORMATION SHORTLY

Phiyega confirms that "identikits being out together. Will be released to media once done."

POLICE BRIEFING ON MEYIWA MURDER

Commissioner Riah Phiyega is now briefing the media.

"I'm here to support GP police after this Trafic and senseless crime.

"we have a top police investigating team to head this case. 

"condolences to his family, Orlando Pirates and SA as a whole.

"investigators are back at the crime scene as we speak.

"a multi disciplinary task team has been established to investigate this case" - Phiyega

MEYIWA CARRIED BAFANA - SHAKES

"We're going to miss Senzo a lot," said national team coach Shakes Mashaba.

"Let alone his goal-saving skills, he was a team player, he was everything.

"He carried the team through the Africa Cup. I don't know why there was any doubt about him being the best goalkeeper."

SENZO MEYIWA FACTFILE:

Born: September 24, 1987

Place of birth: Umlazi, Durban

Position: Goalkeeper

Former clubs: Orlando Pirates juniors and Yebo Yes United (Pirates reserve team)

Orlando Pirates debut: November 8, 2006, Orlando Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates starts: 157

International honours: Former South Africa U-17, U-20 & U-23 international; 7 Bafana Bafana caps (6 starts, 1 sub)

Bafana Bafana debut: June 2, 2013, Lesotho 0 South Africa 2

Honours: 2010 & 2011 MTN8 winner; 2011 & 2012 Absa Premiership winner; 2011 & 2014 Nedbank Cup winner; 2013 CAF Champions League runner-up

ONE OF A KIND 

RIP my friend .They say there is always another player . To me there will never be another Senzo .Thank You my Buddy pic.twitter.com/eJ5kofGceW

— Roger De Sa (@RogerDe_Sa) October 27, 2014

WESTERVELD CAN'T BELIEVE IT

Saturday after the game we shook hands, hugged..'Congrats and good luck for the rest of the season!' 20 hours later he's gone.. Senzo RIP.

— sander westerveld (@sawe74) October 27, 2014

How much longer will us as SOUTH AFRICANS allow this shit. Rest in peace brother. U will be missed. #SenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/AowCpVyE84

— Bradley Grobler (@Bradley_Grobler) October 27, 2014

SENZO ROBBED OF RECORD

The Legacy: A clean-sheet in his next game vs Sudan wuld have seen Senzo being the 2nd SA GK to go beyond 500mins without conceding a goal

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 27, 2014

FIFA PRESIDENT SENDS CONDOLENCES

Thoughts with family, players & fans of @Orlando_Pirates & @BafanaBafana. A senseless, tragic loss. #RIPSenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/fesRHthOP0

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 27, 2014

SASCOC SADDENED AND SHOCKED

SASCOC is saddened & shocked at the death of yet another sports star,Senzo Meyiwa.Our heartfelt condolences go to the Meyiwa family&friends

— TeamSouthAfrica (@Team_SA_2014) October 27, 2014

#SENZOMEYIWA TRENDING

#SenzoMeyiwa is currently trending 5th worldwide on social networking site Twitter.

SOCCER JOURNALIST DISCUSSES SENZO MEYIWA STORY

We're joined in studio by Sport24 soccer expert Wade Pretorius to pay tribute to late Bafana captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, and discuss the facts around his death. 

MEYIWA'S LAST TWEET

nice one bafethu. 8 goals for the team in two games. Sibangenile. #TKO2014 #MCDCBucs #OPFCYouth #Asidlali

— Senzo Meyiwa (@SenzoMey1) October 26, 2014

ABSA PAYS TRIBUTE

“On behalf of all my Barclays Africa colleagues, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Senzo Meyiwa and the entire footballing community." - Maria Ramos

CONFIRMATION OF THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE SOWETO DERBY!

PSL chairman Brand De Villiers has announced Saturday's Soweto Derby will be delayed.

SASCOC MOURN THE LOSS OF MEYIWA

"The South African sporting world is deeply shocked at this latest news," said SASCOC CEO Tubby Reddy. 

FAREWELL SENZO, THE WARRIOR!

Farewell #SenzoMeyiwa, the Warrior! #RIP> http://t.co/R2pWJXnELo pic.twitter.com/YxHfXCif37

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 27, 2014

SHAKES DISTRAUGHT

A very distraught Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says #SenzoMeyiwa's name was at the top of list for the next match. pic.twitter.com/8CFzuxG0Zx

— Kgothatso Madisa (@kgmadisa) October 27, 2014

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?

#SenzoMeyiwa Hours before suspected housebreaking, shooting @Kelly_Khumalo shared this photo on #Instagram @eNCAnews pic.twitter.com/JVEnPhAqe6

— Erin Bates (@erinmarisabates) October 27, 2014

SENZO'S DAD IN TEARS

#SENZOMEYIWA father has arrived - after two mins he has broken down - he is taking the death hard pic.twitter.com/Xzj8Su4vue

— ???? ?????? (@SihleSays) October 27, 2014

SAPS TIP-OFF REQUEST

#SenzoMeyiwa Do you have any info? RETWEET PLEASE. @CrimeLineZA SMS 32211 or call @SAPoliceService 08600 10111. pic.twitter.com/jN07xDOHhw

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 26, 2014

TEARFUL TRIBUTE

South Africa's football coach in tearful tribute to captain #SenzoMeyiwa, who's been shot dead http://t.co/zn5xSJFNBm pic.twitter.com/BuAp8zGcEv

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 27, 2014

SWIM STAR CAMERON VAN DER BURG - TERRIBLE NEWS

Terrible news last few days with the deaths of two great South African heros. RIP Senzo Meyiwa & Mbulaeni Mulaudzi

— Cameron van der Burg (@Cameronvdburgh) October 27, 2014

TRIBUTE TO MEYIWA

Senzo Meyiwa during the CAF Champions League Final 1st Leg match between Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly from Orlando Stadium. (Gallo Images)