Vicks was destined for greatness
Promising soccer career ends prematurely
Born: March 3 1997 Died: October 8 Funeral: Tomorrow at the Mpophomeni Community Hall, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Burial: Mpophomeni Cemetery near Pietermaritzburg
Those who followed the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) last season will agree that the late Maritzburg United youngster Mlondi “Vicks” Dlamini was destined for greatness.
Dlamini died in a car accident near Cato Ridge on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday while returning from Durban, prematurely ending his promising football career.
The death of Maritzburg’s budding star has left Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha in shock.
Madisha played against the promising Dlamini in the MDC last season.
“It makes me realise that life is very short. I didn’t know him too well but wish I had the opportunity to get to know him better because he was a special talent.
“I would like to send my condolences to the Dlamini family for their loss and wish them strength in this difficult time,” said Madisha.
The skilful 20-year-old midfielder was not only admired by his peers but by opposition coaches as well.
Lamontville Golden Arrows’ MDC mentor, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, confessed that he had tried to sign the talented youngster whom he compared to Sundowns superstar Khama Billiat.
“I wanted to sign him but Maritzburg would not allow him to join Arrows.
“He was very special. He reminded me a lot of Billiat because of his skill. Such talent is very rare,” said Vilakazi.
Following his stellar performances for the young Team of Choice last season, Dlamini was nominated, alongside the Sundowns duo of Keletso Makgalwa and Madisha, for the reserve league’s Player of the Season award.
Dlamini was beaten to the top prize by Makgalwa.
Dlamini, who was promoted to Maritzburg’s senior team towards the end of last season, was a product of the Umgungundlovu Sports Academy, which has also produced budding Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Wiseman Meyiwa.
Dlamini, who was born in Mpophomeni near Howick in KwaZululu-Natal, made six appearances for the senior team last season.
Dlamini made his debut in April against Chippa United.
A calf injury during pre-season training meant he had not seen any action this season as he was still recovering.
Dlamini was chosen as Player of the Season in the Kay Motsepe League in 2015 while representing Sukuma High School in Embali, Pietermaritzburg.
Maritzburg’s general manager Quintin Jettoo said the Dlamini family have asked the media to give them time to mourn in private.
Jettoo added that Dlamini would be missed by everybody at the Team of Choice.
“The players, technical staff and management are saddened by the untimely death of Mlondi. He was loved by everybody at the club. He was part of Maritzburg United family. May his soul rest in peace,” Jettoo said.