Siphamandla Mtolo Explained

Siphamandla Mtolo
Fullname:Siphamandla Themba Mtolo
Birth Date:28 November 1993
Position:Defender
Years1:2017–2020
Clubs1:Uthongathi
Caps1:77
Goals1:0
Years2:2020–
Clubs2:Richards Bay
Caps2:66
Goals2:0

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. His last game was on 4 March 2023 against Kaizer Chiefs.

On 7 March, Mtolo collapsed during the team's training session.[1] It was an ordinary training with 15 minutes leftWhen 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.[2]

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.[3]

Notes and References

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