Mpumalanga – South African football is in mourning following a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Phezulu FC footballers Nhlanhla Masina and former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star, Siyabonga Zulu.
The accident occurred on Saturday, leaving a third player, former Ajax Cape Town and Swallows FC winger Thabo Mosadi, in critical condition and fighting for his life in intensive care.
The devastating incident took place shortly after Phezulu FC's match against Sivutsa Stars at Driekoppies Stadium in Mpumalanga. The team, who compete in the ABC Motsepe League, were travelling from Driekoppies to Secunda when the accident occurred. The exact details surrounding the crash remain unclear.
Siyabonga Zulu, just 31 years old, was a highly regarded defender with a promising career. He began his journey at the Orlando Pirates academy in 2011 and was subsequently loaned out to several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers FC, Sivutsa Stars, and United FC. In 2015, he departed Pirates to join Platinum Stars, a now-defunct club.
His talent and potential caught the eye of Pitso Mosimane, who brought him to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, alongside notable players such as Gaston Sirino, Aubrey Ngoma, and Jeremie Brockie. Zulu's career also saw him earn one cap for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, in 2015 under the guidance of coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba.
Nhlanhla Masina, the other victim of the accident, was a former player for TS Sporting. His passing, along with Zulu's, has deeply saddened the local football community.
The news of the accident has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media, with fans, fellow players, and clubs expressing their condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and offering prayers for Thabo Mosadi's recovery.
This tragedy comes just four months after another former Sundowns player, Alton Meiring, was tragically killed in Cape Town. Meiring was stabbed to death in October of the previous year.
Meiring's brother, Shane, confirmed the tragic news via Radio 2000, stating, "Alton was renting out rooms, and some people who were staying there were being helped by Alton. On his way to church, he stopped to drop off something. One of the tenants opened the door and just stabbed him till he died."
He added, "What’s shocking here is that we know the person who killed him. He has handed himself over to the police and is now in custody. This is one of the people that Alton helped a lot. He was even staying there for free."
Mamelodi Sundowns paid tribute to Meiring via social media, saying: "The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Alton Meiring."
The club further added, "Some of the top flight teams that the Bafana Bafana international played for are AmaZulu, Jomo Cosmos, Hellenic, Golden Arrows and Moroka Swallows. We pray that the Almighty gives comfort and strength to the Meiring family, his friends and former teammates."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and family. Rest in Peace, Alton," Sundowns concluded.
The deaths of Siyabonga Zulu and Nhlanhla Masina represent a significant loss to South African football. The Celeb Gossip News team rallies in support of Thabo Mosadi, hoping for his recovery, and extends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.
