The Durban football community is reeling after the sudden and tragic death of 22-year-old midfielder Sinamandla Zondi, who collapsed during a Motsepe Foundation Championship match on Tuesday evening.
Zondi, a player for Durban City FC, collapsed during halftime of a clash against Milford FC at Chatsworth Stadium. The match was immediately called off, and paramedics rushed onto the rain-soaked pitch in an attempt to assist him. A harrowing image shared on social media showed medics huddled around the fallen player in the pouring rain.
In a statement, Durban City FC confirmed Zondi’s passing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. The club had earlier tweeted that the fixture had been suspended due to "circumstances beyond its control."
Tributes have since poured in across social media, with fans, clubs, and fellow players expressing their shock and condolences. One supporter called it a “sad day for South African football.”
Zondi’s untimely death has left a profound impact on the local football fraternity, as the sport mourns the loss of a promising young talent.