Tributes for soccer star
HEAVY BLOW: SHOCK OVER DEATH OF ARROWS PLAYER ‘WHO WENT EXTRA MILE’
Mngwengwe had not shown any sign of illness or being unwell, says friend.
Messages of condolence poured in yesterday for Golden Arrows defender Nkanyiso Mngwengwe, after the 30-yearold died in the early hours of yesterday morning from what is suspected to be a stroke-related illness.
AmaZulu FC chief scout and Mngwengwe’s longtime friend, Ayanda Mkhize, said his friend may not have been big in stature but his heart and spirit were huge.
“Eish, silimele (we are hurting). I was woken by a call from his family telling me to come quickly as he was sick and shaking uncontrollably. They said they were taking him to hospital. But before I could get to the hospital, I received news that he didn’t make it. He had died before reaching the hospital,” said Mkhize, who knew Mngwengwe before he turned professional with Abafana Bes’thende in 2013.
Mkhize said Mngwengwe had not shown any sign of illness or being unwell and had gone to see his twin sister the day before.
“He was fine. He went to see his twin sister and went about his day as usual which included some training and that’s why we are shocked at how suddenly this happened,” said Mkhize.
He said the funeral details would be announced later.
Arrows chair Mato Madlala said she had been shocked at the news of Mngwengwe’s passing, describing him as a hard worker who always went the extra mile.
“I remember when he first arrived at Arrows as a promising footballer and full of energy … he was always and willing to fight for the team.
“I would like to send my condolences to Nkanyiso’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” she said in a statement.
Mngwengwe’s friend and former teammate at Arrows, Siphesihle Magubane, who is now at AmaZulu, said he couldn’t talk to the media yesterday as he was too distraught.
“I have been dealt a heavy blow so early in the morning today. How could you leave just like that, without saying goodbye? Why you? What have you done to deserve this? I will always remember your beautiful soul. Rest well my friend,” wrote Magubane on his WhatsApp status.
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He was full of energy and willing to fight for the team