Siphamandla Mtolo
Personal information
Full name Siphamandla Themba Mtolo
Date of birth (1993-11-28)28 November 1993
Date of death 7 March 2023(2023-03-07) (aged 29)
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2020 Uthongathi 77 (0)
2020– Richards Bay 66 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Siphamandla Mtolo (28 November 1993 – 7 March 2023) was a South African soccer player who played as a midfielder. He last served as captain for Richards Bay in the Premier Soccer League, before fatally collapsing during a training session.

Career

Mtolo became captain of Richards Bay and helped the team win the 2021-22 National First Division and thus promotion to the 2022-23 South African Premier Division. He missed the start of that season because of a knee injury requiring surgery. Despite prospects of return being in February 2023, Mtolo beat the excpectations and made his Premier Division debut in December 2022 as a substitute.[1] His last game was on 4 March 2023 against Kaizer Chiefs.[2]

On 7 March, Mtolo collapsed during the team's training session.[3] It was an ordinary training with 15 minutes left When assisted by teammates and the club's physiotherapist, Mtolo struggled to breathe. He was rushed towards a hospital in a private car belonging to Richards Bay's general manager, but died underway.[1]

Personal life

Siphamandla Mtolo was nicknamed Spepe. He was buried in his hometown of Shakaskraal. His funeral service took place on Nkobongo Sports Ground, and several teammates were casket-bearers.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Vardien, Tashreeq (8 March 2023). "Mtolo collapsed with 15 minutes left to train, says coach. After that, things moved fast". News 24. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  2. ↑ Siphamandla Mtolo at Soccerway
  3. ↑ Foster, Matt (8 March 2023). "South African footballer dies at age 29 after collapsing in training". CNN. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  4. ↑ Mothoagae, Keba (14 March 2023). "Late Richards Bay FC Captain Siphamandla Mtolo Laid To Rest". Sports Brief. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
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