As most couples celebrate Valentine's Day supporters, family, andfriends of Oshwin Andries were celebrating his life.
Stellenbosch FC held a memorial service at Rietenboschprimary school in Cloetesville in Stellenbosch on Tuesday 14 February.
The memorial service was organised by the club and the twoschools, Rietenbosch primary and Cloetesville High school.
Besides players and coach Steve Barker, the event was alsoattended by Stellenbosch Municipality Deputy Mayor Jeremy Fasser who told thecrowd that the death of Oshwin has left a huge hole in people's hearts.
He said celebrating his life on Valentine's day was not bymistake.
"It's no coincidence that we come here on the day oflove, Valentine's day. We loved Oshwin and we are showing it today on this dayof love and we will forever cherish him in our hearts," Fasser said.
Former Rietenbosch principal Roy Van Rooyen said Oshwin'stalent was evident at a younger age and it was clear that he will go far.
"My heart bleedsfor Oshwin, and his family. We are in pain. The whole Rietenbosch family isdevastated by his death. Oshwin had apotential," he said.
Cloetesville High school principal Chris Joubert said whenOshwin arrived at his school in 2017 he didn't know much about him. He saidOshwin introduced himself on the football field and he never forget abouthim. He said, together with the othertwo coaches they realised that Oshwin was destined for great things.
"Everybody knew Oshwin at school, he was that guy whospoke to everyone. Even at school, he was never in my office. In 2017, myfellow teachers who were coaches agreed that Oshwin had everything that it tookto play at the highest level. And he proved that it can be done when you havedisciplined and commitment," said Joubert.
The club's Chaplin Bruce Nadin comforted the family with theWord of God.
"God has not abandoned your family, He is with you. I wantto say God is with you. Even if it feels like God is far away from you, I want to say God is with you. He has not runaway from you, He knows how you feel," said Nadin.
Mongezi Ndarana representing SAFA said the death of Oshwinis a huge blow to Mzansi as a whole.
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George Rhoda the chairperson of the Local FootballAssociation(LFA) said Oshwin is destined for great heights.
Supporter Brian Damonse said: "As supporters, we wantto say condolences to the family. He played phenomenally that his opponents hadno other option but to give him respect."
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie and coach Barker handed overtwo of Oshwin's jerseys to the family.
Oshwin's mother Natasha broke into tears when the jersey wasbeing handed over.
