Heartbreak On The Field: Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe Mourns PSL Footballer Who Collapsed And Died During Training
Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe has expressed sadness at the news of a PSL footballer who collapsed and passed away during training.
On Tuesday morning, 29-year-old Siphamandla Mtolo, who played for Richards Bay Football Club, died after he collapsed during a training.
The club announced on social media about the tragic death of the footballer:
“It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay Football Club has untimely lost one of its midfielders, Siphamandla’ Spepe’ Mtolo, who collapsed during training.
“The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and asks that his family’s privacy is respected during this difficult time of bereavement.
“His presence both on and off the pitch will be sorely missed.”
Patrice Motsepe wrote:
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing on of Siphamadla Mtolo, a player of Richards Bay Football Club, who collapsed during a Richards Bay Football Club training session on Tuesday, March 7 2023, in South Africa.
“Please pass my personal and CAF’s deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Premier Soccer League Family. May God comfort you, the Premier Soccer League, his family, friends, and colleagues during this sad period.”
On March 4 2023, Mtolo played his last game against Kaizer Chiefs. He featured for 90 minutes.
The midfielder was pivotal in helping Uthongathi FC get promoted from the ABC Motsepe League to the DSTV Premiership in 2020. After that, he joined Richards Bay, where he served as the team’s captain.
Mtolo had been injured for a long time and could only play six games for his team this season. Sadly, he passed away, having played less for his side. His untimely demise left the football fraternity mourning.
On Saturday, February 11, a memorial service will be held at the Nkobongo Community Hall in Shakaskraal, KZN, to remember Siphamandla Mtolo.