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.
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]
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]