The family of former Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaTuks midfielder Joseph Mthombeni has confirmed his untimely passing at the age of 43.
Born in Giyani, Mthombeni was a graduate of the renowned SAFA Transnet School of Excellence [now Africa School of Excellence]. He launched his professional career in the early 2000s with the now-defunct Dynamos FC before earning a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mthombeni arrived at Chloorkop alongside fellow School of Excellence graduate and close friend Sipho Nunes. While he made a notable impact as a ‘super-sub’, scoring several crucial goals, he ultimately found it difficult to cement a regular starting berth within a star-studded Sundowns squad.
He was later loaned back to Dynamos before enjoying stints with the University of Pretoria, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Thanda Royal Zulu.
FAMILY CONFIRMS TRAGIC NEWS OF JOSEPH MTHOMBENI
His sister, Sharon Mthombeni, confirmed to FARPost that the former midfielder was found deceased at his residence in Nkowankowa, Tzaneen, on Monday, 2 March 2026.
“What we will always celebrate is his love for football. His talent was rare, especially in our area, and as a family, we will always be proud of that. Even now, we maintain the deepest respect for everything he achieved,” she said.
Former Dynamos managing director July Malabela also paid a moving tribute to Mthombeni, describing him as much more than just a former player. The two shared a lifelong bond, having grown up in the same village of Zava Nwamarhanga in Giyani.
“It goes deeper than football. We didn’t just lose a colleague or a player; I cannot reduce Joseph to just that,” Malabela said.
Malabela also revealed a remarkable highlight from Mthombeni’s youth: the midfielder was once scouted by the late Brazilian legend Pelé, who recommended him for a football academy in Brazil.
“He once went to Brazil after Pelé recommended him, saying he saw a bright future for Joseph. He was one of the most gifted players of his era—a truly special talent. The former player was quiet but full of jokes; when you were around him, you were guaranteed to laugh.”
Mthombeni is expected to be laid to rest in Nkowankowa this weekend. The family is yet to release the final funeral arrangements.
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