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.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Siphamandla Themba Mtolo | ||
| Date of birth | 28 November 1993 | ||
| Date of death | 7 March 2023 (aged 29) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender, midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2017–2020 | Uthongathi | 77 | (0) |
| 2020–2023 | Richards Bay | 66 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career
editMtolo 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 surpassed expectations 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
editSiphamandla 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
edit- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Siphamandla Mtolo at Soccerway
- ^ Foster, Matt (8 March 2023). "South African footballer dies at age 29 after collapsing in training". CNN. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ Mothoagae, Keba (14 March 2023). "Late Richards Bay FC Captain Siphamandla Mtolo Laid To Rest". Sports Brief. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  | This biographical article related to association football in South Africa, about a midfielder, is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |