FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent a heartfelt message of condolence to family and friends of former Bidvest Wits left-back Charles Yohane, who was hijacked and shot dead in South Africa.
Yohane’s untimely death shocked the South African football fraternity last week after the news broke last week Sunday.
“He was hijacked, they took his car and shot him in the head,” Yohane’s brother, Lewis, told BBC Sport.
The sad news also reached FIFA’s president, who praised Yohane, saying “his personality and his human qualities” will not be forgotten.
“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of former international player Charles Yohane. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss,” Infantino wrote to the Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA), as per soccer24.
“During his international career, Charles Yohane was capped more than 20 times by Zimbabwe, notably participating in the 2004 and 2006 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. At club level, he will be remembered for his career at Bidvest Wits FC, in South Africa, where he played for nearly a decade.
“He also played at Fire Batteries FC and CAPS United FC in Zimbabwe, as well as in other South African clubs.
“Legend of Zimbabwean Football, leader, disciplined and dedicated player, his personality and his human qualities will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed.
“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Zimbabwe Football Association, and to Charles’ family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.”
Yohane, 48, last worked as youth coach for Wits but lost his job when the club was sold to TTM and recently earned an income as a Bolt driver.
He represented Zimbabwe 23 times and held the record for most appearances for Wits, having played for the club between 1997 and 2006. He also ran out for African Wanderers, AmaZulu and FC AK.
