Confederation of African Football, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has sent his condolences following the passing of midfielder Siphamandla Mtolo from PSL side Richards Bay.
The sudden passing of the 29-year-old shocked the South African football fraternity. Mtolo reportedly collapsed during a training session on Tuesday and died.
CAF SADDENED BY SIPHAMANDLA MTOLO PASSING
In a statement on Wednesday, the CAF president conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of Mtolo, SAFA, PSL and Richards Bay.
“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has expressed shock and sadness following the tragic death of Richards Bay FC player Siphamandla Mtolo who collapsed during the training session at his club in South Africa,” CAF said in a statement.
“Dr Motsepe and the CAF Family mourns the tragic passing of a player who played a meaningful role in helping his club, Richards Bay FC gain promotion to the elite league.
“CAF conveys deepest condolences to the family of Siphamandla Mtolo, South African Football Association (“SAFA”), the Premier Soccer League (“PSL”) and Richards Bay FC Family during this difficult moment.”
Mtolo is the second professional player to die while on duty in the African continent over the last few days.
PRESIDENT PATRICE MOTSEPE ALSO SEND CONDOLENCES TO IVORY COAST DEFENDER
Ivory Coast defender Moustapha Sylla also collapsed and died during a league match on Sunday.
The 21-year-old was playing for Racing Club against Sol FC during the domestic Ligue 1 game when the incident happened. He was rushed to the hospital after collapsing and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“Dr Motsepe and the CAF Family mourns the tragic passing of such a young life who showed promise on the football field,” CAF said in a statement.
“CAF conveys deepest condolences to the family of Sylla Moustapha, Ivorian Football Federation President Idriss Diallo, Racing Club d’Abidjan Family and the Ivorian people during this time of grieving.”
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