Family, friends and members of the sporting fraternity are expected to gather in the Eastern Cape on Thursday for the memorial service of South African rugby player Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini.
The 20-year-old rugby player died earlier this month in France after reportedly collapsing from suspected heatstroke following a training session with his club, AS Béziers Hérault.
Makwedini’s body was repatriated to South Africa and arrived home on Sunday.
His family confirmed that his remains are being kept at a funeral parlour in Quigney, in the KuGompo City area, as preparations for his funeral continue.
His funeral is scheduled to take place on 1 August.
Makwedini has been remembered as a talented and promising young rugby player whose career showed significant potential.
Those who knew him described him as a player who had the ability to reach the highest levels of the sport and potentially become a global rugby star.
The memorial service is expected to provide an opportunity for loved ones, teammates and members of the rugby community to pay tribute to the young player and celebrate his life and sporting achievements.