A footballer tragically lost his life after collapsing during a league encounter at the Verulam Recreational Grounds on Todd Street, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 16 August, when the 59-year-old player, who was part of an over-50s football team, suddenly experienced breathing difficulties shortly after the match. Despite appearing healthy and energetic throughout the game, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leaving teammates and spectators stunned.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) and police confirmed that he died at the scene. According to RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram, the man had complained of respiratory distress while in the changing rooms before collapsing. Emergency responders arrived just before 5 pm but could not revive him.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a case file has been opened to establish the circumstances leading to his death.
Local residents, who often saw him playing in the community despite not being from the immediate area, described him as a fit and lively individual. His sudden passing has left fellow players in shock.
Recent Similar Incidents
The tragedy mirrors another sporting incident on 6 July, when an athlete collapsed and died during a race in Howick, in the Midlands. Emergency teams performed CPR and used advanced life support interventions, including a defibrillator, but the runner could not be saved.
In June, the Comrades Marathon also recorded a distressing case after Cape Town runner Moira Harding collapsed from low sodium levels hours after finishing the race. She was eventually found in a critical condition by construction workers and rushed to hospital
Football Mourns Former Star
This latest incident comes as the football fraternity is still reeling from the death of ex-Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro, who passed away at 40 following a long illness. The Zimbabwean forward left a strong mark on South African football after arriving from Chicken Inn and impressing at the COSAFA Cup before joining Mpumalanga Black Aces and later the Buccaneers.
