By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos captain, Papi Khomane, has been laid to rest along with his mother, Rita Khomane, and uncle, Moffat Nkosi.
The three family members tragically passed away in a car accident last weekend.
Hundreds of friends, soccer lovers, family members and his church gathered at the hall at the University of Joburg’s Soweto campus.
Papi was fondly remembered by his family and those close to him as humble and a straight talker.
“When he didn’t like something, he would tell you straight but in a calm manner,” said his brother Mokete Khomane.
“He was a caring person and used to show this to all of us.”
The funeral service was conducted at Soweto’s University of Johannesburg.
Papi and his mom were members of the Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa.
The three were buried at the Nasrec Memorial Park.
Papi is survived by his wife Thato, sons Itumeleng, Tumelo, and Tshirelletso, his father Yster Khomane plus three brothers and two sisters.
Alongside his achievements with Orlando Pirates, Khomane also helped South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.
He shared the squad with a host of throwback Premier League stars including Manchester United’s Quinton Fortune, Bolton’s Mark Fish and Leeds United’s Lucas Radebe.