Siphiwe Mkhonza has died. Image via X @hlotshi2
‘Go well, Dr Mnandi’: Tributes following Siphiwe Mkhonza’s passing
‘We have lost a real one!’: South Africans pay tribute to former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back, Siphiwe Mkhonza.
Siphiwe Mkhonza has died. Image via X @hlotshi2
The South African football fraternity is mourning the untimely passing of former Kaizer Chiefs player Siphiwe Mkhonza at the age of 45.
FAMILY CONFIRMS PASSING OF FORMER KAIZER CHIEFS DEFENDER SIPHIWE MKHONZA
According to iDiski Times, his family confirmed that he sadly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 5 March, after a longtime battle with a kidney infection.
Mkhonza, also affectionately known as “Dr Mnandi”, played as a defender for Amakhosi between 2004 and 2007. He also played for other teams such as Bloemfontein Celtic, Ria Stars, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, and AmaZulu. Additionally, he earned seven caps for the South Africa national soccer team, Bafana Bafana.
After retiring from the beautiful game, Mkhonza became a soccer analyst and coach. Between 2013 and 2021, the former centre-back was a soccer analyst on SABC1’s flagship show, SoccerZone, and on Laduma in 2013. In 2022 he joined SoccerZone as a presenter.
TRIBUTES POUR IN
Fans, friends and colleagues have been sending messages of condolences to the Mkhonza family since the former soccer star’s passing.
“It is indeed a sad morning in my heart & in Mzansians too. We’re saying goodbye to a friend, colleague, & beloved footballer. We woke up with the news of his passing of our brother Siphiwe Mkhonza. May his soul rest in peace. A dieu mon frère, repose en paix RIP. Onlyvgood memories [sic],” football analyst, Christophe Bongo, wrote.
“Siphiwe Mkhonza is gone. He really made analyzing football with our own African languages fashionable at SABC sport studios, rest easy Dr Mnandi, ” said @simthobiyela.
“The world of football has lost a legend, talented gent and great analyst. Uhambe kahle Dr Mnandi. RIP Siphiwe Mkhonza,” @sli_simelane said.
“We have lost a real one! True gentleman and a great analyst of the game!! Grateful to have met this Giant!!! Go well Dr Mnandi,” said @hlotshi2.
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