Friends and family have bid farewell to 16-year-old Krugersdorp High School cricket player, Retshegofetse Sennelo.

The teenager died last week after colliding with his teammate in an attempt to intercept a ball during a cricket match at Christian Brothers’ College in Boksburg, on Gauteng’s East Rand.

He was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, hours after undergoing several operations.

Sennelo has been described as a kind, intelligent and joyful young man, who lived up to his name, which means blessing.

The mood was sombre as final respects were paid to Sennelo on his brother’s birthday at the Faith Community Church Hall in Krugersdorp on Gauteng’s West Rand.

Tshegofatso’s mother, Olga Sennelo, wrote a piece as her way of paying her last respects to her child.

“To my little boy, Tshego. I don’t even know where to begin, my heart is shuttered. And the pain of losing you is beyond words. You were a precious gift to our family. You were a blessing in everyway, and true to your name. Farewell my baby. Mommy will always love you.”

Grappling with unimaginable grief, Sennelo’s school principal at the Krugersdorp High School, Ivan Bailey, says this incident has changed his life forever.

“It has changed my life forever, I just pray for this team. Boys, I’m with you through this and it will take time, you are amazing boys and you got a huge potential and a huge career ahead of you like this gentleman had.”

Mogale City mayor, Lucky Selele also paid tribute to the 16-year-old cricket player.

Selele says the impact Sennelo had on the community is notable.

“Although he is gone too soon, the love and impact he made will continue to resonate with all who know him. Retshegofetse born to amuse, to inspire, to delight. I want to say to your family and the community that is deeply affected, that may they find strength and comfort in the cherished moments you were together. To the school, we hope that you will be able to continue in this difficult time.”

The South African National Cricket team, best known as the Proteas, has committed to building practice nets as a memorial site to honor Sennelo.

Edward Khoza from Cricket SA says he will ensure that the practice nets are built for the rest of the team members.

“We visited another young man here who was involved in the incident as well. It was quite a humbling experience. As he was going through grief and trauma the only thing he was asking for was to say I need something to be done to keep the memory of Tshego alive. While we were at the family they requested to have practice nets. I just made a few phone calls and there are people that want to assist to make sure that we build these facilities.”

The family says they will learn to live with Seenelo’s death because it was a result of his passion for sports.