The late Siphiwe Mkhonza and actress Minnie Dlamini. Image via Instagram @minniedlamini
Minnie Dlamini mourns death of Chiefs legend Siphiwe Mkhonza
Football analyst Siphiwe Mkhonza passed away on Tuesday, 5 March, at the age of 45 after succumbing to a kidney infection.
The late Siphiwe Mkhonza and actress Minnie Dlamini. Image via Instagram @minniedlamini
Actress and television producer Minenhle “Minnie” Dlamini has joined several South Africans and football lovers in paying tribute to former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza.
Also known as “Dr Mnandi”, Mkhonza passed away on Tuesday, 5 March, after a longtime battle with a kidney infection.
MINNIE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER KAIZER CHIEFS DEFENDER SIPHIWE MKHONZA
Minnie and Mkhonza worked together at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on the free-to-air channel’s flagship show, Soccerzone. The Honeymoon actress expressed that she would miss the football analyst for many reasons, including his passion for the game.
“Woke up to the devastating news that my brother/former colleague @siphiwemkhonza4 has passed 💔 We worked together for 4years at @sabcsport on #Soccerzone your laughter, love and passion for the game will be sorely missed. Thank you for your contribution to the game we love as a player and in our hearts and one of the country’s most loved analysts ❤️ Rest in Power mnganam [my friend].
FAMILY CONFIRMS THE FOOTBALL ANALYST’S PASSING
Mkhonza started his professional football career at the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtics in 1991 and wore the captain’s armband in his first season at the age of 18. 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 African 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 SoccerZone and on Laduma in 2013. In 2022, he joined SoccerZone as a presenter.
In a statement on Tuesday, the family said: “The family of the former Golden Arrows FC and Kaizer Chiefs defender can confirm that Siphiwe Mkhonza has sadly passed on in the early hours of this morning at home,” the family said in a statement.
“Mkhonza, affectionately known as ‘Dr Mnandi’, has been battling kidney infections for a long time.
“He was admitted to Charlotte Maxeke [Johannesburg Academic Hospital] a month ago and was discharged after showing signs of recovery.
“Mkhonza has been taken care of by his girlfriend and the mother of his three children, Ms Nondumiso Masengemi, at their home in Roodepoort.
“The family wishes to thank his former employer and his colleagues at SABC, fellow football legends from the stable he belonged to, and friends for their support during his illness.
“Mkhonza is survived by his children, his father, Joseph ‘Skheshe Kheshe’ Mkhonza, his mom, Phindile Mkhonza, and his brother. The family will communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements.”
