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Duo wanted to pay respects

Cape Town - Former Orlando Pirates duo Benson Mhlongo and Lebohang Mokoena have expressed their disappointment that they will miss Senzo Meyiwa's funeral this weekend.

Mhlongo, who is currently on the books of Polokwane City, was Meyiwa's captain during his time with the Buccaneers before joining Platinum Stars.

The 13-year veteran midfielder was not satisfied that the PSL only called off this weekend's Soweto derbv as he too wanted to attend the ex-Bafana Bafana captain's funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

"They (PSL) have the power to make the right decisions," Mhlongo is quoted as saying by the Sowetan.

"I really thought that they would postpone the games to allow us time to mourn and give those who want to go to the funeral a chance to pay their respects. Some of us are far and you need a day or two to get to Durban.

"How do we teach each other to be united? It's about mindset. If we lose someone, we should support each other in football. This is our leader we are talking about. He was the Bafana captain. This is very sad."

Mokoena, who is now at Mamelodi Sundowns, was equally disappointed that he would miss the funeral of the player he came through the Pirates youth ranks with.

"He was more than a team-mate to me. He was my friend," Mokoena said. "We were very close and we stayed together in Mayfair years ago.

"They (PSL) are not even giving us a chance to mourn. It does not make sense because I feel the games should be stopped. The whole PSL is affected by this because he was loved by everybody."

Mhlongo will be in action at the Peter Mokaba Stadium against Chippa United on the day of the funeral, while Mokoena will be playing against Free State Stars at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
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