30.10.2014 19:02 h

Africa qualifier venue changed to honour Meyiwa

The Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between South Africa and Sudan has been moved from Nelspruit to Durban to honour slain national team captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.

The November 15 Group A fixture originally scheduled for Mbombela Stadium is now going to be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the Indian Ocean city where Meyiwa was born.

Meyiwa was gunned down last Sunday by an intruder while visiting his girlfriend at a house 30 kilometres (19 miles) south-east of Johannesburg.

"We felt it was proper and fitting that this match be played in Durban to honour our fallen hero since he hailed from there," South African football supremo Danny Jordaan said in a statement.

"The team will visit the Meyiwa family and the grave of Senzo. This will give the players an opportunity for closure.

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

"Senzo was always proud to don the national jersey and lead his team. Coach 'Shakes' Mashaba has confirmed that Meyiwa was always first on the team list."

A win for South Africa will ensure qualification for the 2015 Cup of Nations in Morocco with a game to spare.

Meyiwa did not concede a goal in four qualifiers as South Africa defeated Sudan, defeated and drew with Congo Brazzaville and drew with defending champions Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have not qualified for the Africa Cup since 2008 -- they competed at the 2013 tournament last year only because they were the hosts.

In a separate Meyiwa-related decision, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) have postponed all weekend league fixtures in honour of the South Africa and Orlando Pirates captain.

The Soweto derby between Pirates and greatest rivals Kaizer Chiefs was postponed on Monday, but the other seven fixtures were initially due to go ahead.

However, players from various clubs made media protests about the decision, and the PSL reacted on Thursday.