After former striker Marc Batchelor was killed in a shooting in Johannesburg on Monday night, the South African football community turned to Twitter in mourning ‘Batch’.
Batchelor is one of a select few players to have played for all of the three prominent Soweto sides in Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows while he also turned out for Tshwane giants Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.
The forward was killed in what appeared to be a ‘professional shooting’ as assailants on motorcycles pulled up next to his car before firing at least seven shots through his window.
The South African football fraternity was quick to remember ‘Batch’ the player, turning to social media to honour his life.
Marc Batchelor the footballer:
Played for #Sundowns #Pirates #Chiefs #Swallows amongst others …
How many played for the traditional Big 4? Not many…
Never scared to speak openly & honestly and always available for a quote! Football journalism in the 90s & 2000’s made a joy!— Neil Greig (@NeilGreigSport) July 15, 2019
Rest in peace Mark Batchelor
This story has left me shook and scared
I wish I never saw those images
The harsh reality of the world we live in 😭#RIPBatchelor pic.twitter.com/cEE0byiSju
— Shakes Rampedi (@ShakesRampedi) July 15, 2019
I’m deeply saddened at hearing of the death of former footballer and football analyst Mark Batchelor
I worked with him for many years on TV
Deepest Condolences. pic.twitter.com/TIb1EbVlZT
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) July 15, 2019
As South Africans, we need Death Penalty back, we are SICK & TIRED of wrtng RIP 2 innocent Souls. Not so long, it was:
1 Senzo Meyiwa
2 Lucky Dube
3 Reeva Steenkamp
4 Mafikizolo Star and others.Now is Mark Batchelor 😭
Retweet & Like 2 make your voice heard.
#RIPMarkBatchelor pic.twitter.com/gLME4VKH86— Ndavheleseni Windstone Ramuntshi (@NRamuntshi) July 16, 2019
Legends don’t die, they live forever in our hearts. #RIPMarkBatchelor #MarkBatchelor pic.twitter.com/8kMJW6JZKY
— Kaizer Chiefs Supporters 💛✌ (@KCfanTv) July 16, 2019
