Remembering South Africa’s Fallen Football Stars
South African football has lost many talented players over the years. Here’s a list of some of the most notable South African footballers who passed away:
Violent Deaths
– Senzo Meyiwa: The former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana captain was tragically shot and killed in 2014 in Vosloorus.
– Luke Fleurs: The Kaizer Chiefs defender was fatally shot in a carjacking incident in 2024 in Johannesburg.
– Marc Batchelor: The former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns striker was shot and killed in 2019 in Johannesburg.
– Ewert ‘The Lip’ Nene: The former footballer was stabbed to death in 1976 in KwaThema.
– Ariel ‘Pro’ Kgongoane: The former Kaizer Chiefs captain was killed during the Soweto uprising in 1976.
– Oshwin Andries: South African footballer sadly passed away on February 4, 2023, at the age of 19. He played as a defender and midfielder for Stellenbosch FC and was also the captain of the South African under-20 team. Andries was stabbed in o Klapmuts, Paarl, and the incident occurred after a confrontation at a bar
Car Accidents
– Lesley Manyathela: The former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker died in a car accident on the N1 near Musina in 2003.
– Gift Leremi: The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder died in a car accident near Alberton in 2007.
– Anele Ngcongca: The former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender died in a car accident in KwaZulu-Natal in 2020.
– Sinethemba Jantjie: The former Free State Stars winger died in a car accident in Bethlehem in 2019.
– Mlondi Dlamini: The former Maritzburg United midfielder died in a car accident in KwaZulu-Natal in 2017.
– Siyabonga Zulu: Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, tragically passed away on February 16, 2025, in a car accident in Mpumalanga.
– Thembinkosi Mbamba: A talented South African footballer, sadly passed away on May 25, 2019, in a car accident in Duduza, Gauteng, at just 23 years old.
– Motjeka Madisha: South African footballer tragically passed away on December 12, 2020, in a car accident. He was 25 years old and played for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
– Cecile Lolo: South African footballer sadly passed away in a car accident on October 25, 2015, at the age of 27. He was a defender for Ajax Cape Town and had helped the team win the MTN8 cup earlier that year.
– The Henyekane brothers: Joseph and Richard, were both talented South African footballers who tragically lost their lives in separate car accidents. Joseph Henyekane, a midfielder, passed away on December 16, 2014, at the age of 30, while Richard Henyekane, a striker, died on April 7, 2015, at the age of 31.
Other Deaths
– Sizwe Motaung: The former Bafana Bafana and Jomo Cosmos defender died of an AIDS-related illness in 2001.
– Oscar Ntwagae: The former Jomo Cosmos defender was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Germiston in 2010.
– Bafo Biyela: The former AmaZulu was known for his powerful shots, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. Ntuli had a successful career, scoring 73 goals in 230 matches for various clubs, including Golden Arrows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Platinum Stars.
– Tendai Ndoro: The former Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town striker died after a long battle with diabetes in 2025.
– Bonginkosi Ntuli: A talented South African footballer, sadly passed away on November 5, 2023, at the age of 32 due to an aggressive form of cancer. He played as a striker for AmaZulu FC football.
– Justin Shonga: Former Orlando Pirates and Zambian national team striker, sadly passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 27 due to a short illness.
– Arthur Baartman: Former South African football coach and former player. He’s best known for his role as the head coach of AmaZulu FC, a position he took up in 2022.
– Luyanda Ntshangase: A talented South African footballer sadly passed away on May 4, 2018, at the age of 21. He was a midfielder for Maritzburg United and was struck by lightning during a friendly match on March 1, 2018, suffering burns to his chest.
– Nkanyiso Mngwengwe: Former captain of Golden Arrows, passed away on May 18, 2020, due to a heart attack.
– Scara Ngobese: A South African football legend sadly passed away on May 11, 2010, at the age of 29 due to tuberculosis-related illnesses. He was a midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs FC and was known for his exceptional skills, earning him the nickname “Black Jesus”.
