Durban City FC player remembered after collapse during football match
The 22-year-old Zondi, also known as Sgora, reportedly collapsed during the warm-up. Picture: Durban City FC
Durban City Football (FC) club has suffered a tragedy after its player Sinamandla Zondi collapsed and died ahead of a match in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The 22-year-old Zondi, also known as Sgora, reportedly collapsed during the warm-up ahead of the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) match against Milford FC at the Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday night.
Paramedics attended to the player on the field and rushed him to the hospital. Sadly, he did not survive.
Zondi made his professional debut in September 2021 and has been a regular for his club.
The clash between the two clubs, however, went ahead with Durban City FC losing the match 1-0.
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Tragedy
Durban City FC said has been left heartbroken by Zondi's death.
'It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family. Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer, he was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a Son and an inspiration to all who knew him.
'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by this tragic loss,' Durban FC said.
The club said it will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time.
Durban FC was in the spotlight last month after the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the club entered into a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in several areas and advance football.
As part of the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to enhance expertise in high-performance football, facilitate knowledge sharing, and explore joint community outreach and marketing opportunities.
The MoU established a structured partnership that leveraged UKZN's academic and research expertise and Durban City's excellent professional football standing and track record.
Durban City was previously known as Maritzburg United, but relocated to Durban before the 2024/25 season began.
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