FAMILY, church members and community members gathered at the Grace Bible Church, Pimville, Soweto, to remember fallen heroes.
This after former Pirates captain Papi Khomane died in a tragic accident along with his mum Rita Khomane and his uncle Norman Nkosi on Saturday, 25 November.
The congregation supported the family through songs and some through speeches.
The Late Papi's sons Itumeleng and Tumelo Khomane told Daily Sun that their father was an honorable man.
"We thank everyone who has been sending out condolence messages. It's sad that we are gathered here honouring him in such a painful manner. We didn't know that this day would come sooner than we expected. My father's death and my grandfather's death came untimely, and as a family, we are still shocked," they said.
Itumeleng said that they are grieving, and it will take time for them to accept what had happened.
"This is a very tragic experience, it's something that you wouldn't wish anyone to go through," he added,
He further added that they will continue with their father's legacy.
Paying his tribute to the departed Papi Khomane, South African former soccer player and manager Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba said: "Papi, if I had it my way, I would go hire a 2 door Mercedes and fetch you where you are and bring you back, but unfortunately when God has decided, he has decided."
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"Today we are celebrating Papi; he played for the national team, he played for Cosmos, he played for the biggest team, Orlando Pirates. What else did we expect him to do? "Shakes added.
Shakes recalled how Papi used to call him Papa house, meaning he is the man of the house.
Rita's friends and fellow church members described her as a very kind person who was also giving.
The congregation revealed that Papi was chosen for the church council last month, and he loved the church and made the church enjoyable.
Nkosi's friend, Vusimuzi Mabaso, described Nkosi as a very kind person who loved making jokes.
Speaking from the Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa, Lerato Mahasa said he had a very long conversation with Papi on Monday before his death. The conversation was supposed to continue Wednesday. We have lost an ambassador," he said.
The funeral will be a joint service for the departed three and will be held at the Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa since Papi and his mum served and fellowshipped there.
The service will be on Saturday, 2 December.
