By Ntokozo Magongo
African football is in shock after two players collapsed in the field of play and died within two days.
South Africa’s DStv Premiership side, Richards Bay are mourning the death of their midfielder Siphamandla Mtolo who collapsed at training on Tuesday morning while Ivory Coast footballer Moustapha Sylla also died while in action for his side on Sunday.
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According to South Africa’s Times Live, Richards Bay could not give further details or the medical reason for the shock death of the 29-year-old footballer who was last in action on Saturday when they lost 0-1 to Kaizer Chiefs.
“It is with deep sadness that Richards Bay FC announces the untimely loss of one of our midfielders, Siphamandla ‘Spepe’ Mtolo. He collapsed this morning during training. The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and asks that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time of bereavement,” reads the statement from the club.
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Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast player who was a defender collapsed during the game between Racing Club Abidjan and SOL FC at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.
He died aged just 21 following a reported heart attack. The President of the Ivorian club, Logossina Cissé Moustapha told the Daily Mail that Sylla died Sunday night following an illness on the field during the match with Sol FC. He passed away while being transported to a hospital.
