Siphamandla Mtolo
South African soccer player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 with Richards Bay | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Siphamandla Themba Mtolo | ||
| Date of birth | 28 November 1993 | ||
| Date of death | 7 March 2023 (aged 29) | ||
| Positions | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2017–2020 | Uthongathi | 77 | (0) |
| 2020–2023 | Richards Bay | 66 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
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 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
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]
