By Zuko Komisa
Richards Bay FC captain Siphamandla Mtolo dies after collapsing during training.
Siphamandla Mtolo, a midfielder for Richards Bay FC passed away on Tuesday after collapsing during a workout.
The 29-year-old football player passed away unexpectedly, and the team said it was unable to provide any additional information or the medical cause.
A statement by the club reads: “It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay Football Club has untimely lost one of its midfielders, Siphamandla ‘Spepe’ Mtolo, [who] collapsed this morning during training,” said the club.
“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. Thoughts and prayers from everyone at Richards Bay Football Club are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
Official Statement regarding the passing of our player, 𝗦𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗮 "𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗽𝗲" 𝗠𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗼. pic.twitter.com/TSrY25oXyq
— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) March 7, 2023
Mtolo joined the Natal Rich Boyz in 2020 after playing for Uthongathi on the Motsepe Foundation Championship squad.
He was a member of the group that helped Northern KwaZulu-side Natal’s receive an automatic promotion to the Premiership the previous season.
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For Richards Bay FC this season, Mtolo made nine appearances—eight in the league and one in the Nedbank Cup.
The Premier Soccer League expressed their condolences after the player’s passing on Tuesday on social media.
The PSL is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Richards Bay Football Club midfielder, Siphamandla Mtolo🕊️ 💔.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 7, 2023
A moment of silence will be observed in his honour at this week’s Nedbank Cup and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures.
May his soul repose peacefully. https://t.co/oFLpEpwKzC
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