“There was so much happiness in Senzo,” explains Kaizer Chiefs defender Siboniso ‘Pa’ Gaxa as the main reason of Senzo Meyiwa’s popularity amongst fellow players and soccer fans. The Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper was shot death on Sunday evening.

“He was really a nice guy,” continues Gaxa. “He was one of the few players who always smiled in good and bad times. Even during the times when Senzo had to warm the bench at Pirates or Bafana, he would continue to have a smile on his face.”

“He was so passionate and he worked incredibly hard to fulfil his soccer dream of playing for Bafana. And now that he achieved his dream, even captaining our national team, this happens. I am shocked.”

“However, Senzo’s example of never giving up and to continue giving his all to achieve - never losing hope, despite numerous set-backs - had a huge effect on the youngsters. He showed that a dream can come true if you are prepared to do your utmost best to get there.”

The Amakhosi right-back knew Meyiwa well, also because their respective parents’ homes are not far from each other.

The Buccaneers goalkeeper was born in Umlazi, while Gaxa comes from KwaMashu, both in KwaZulu-Natal. “I once met Senzo’s parents in Durban,” he reflects.

“I will always remember the light on Senzo’s face. Why are people that are so kind, often the ones that we lose early,” laments Gaxa, who was also deeply touched by the death of his former mentor at SuperSport United, Thomas Madigage, two years ago.

Gaxa is one of a group of Kaizer Chiefs players, who will attend Meyiwa’s funeral in Durban on Saturday.