The late up-and-coming and talented youngster Sinamandla ‘Sgora’ Zondi (22), who collapsed and died just before the start of his team’s match against Milford United FC at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. Photo: PSL

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A talented and promising young footballer had his blossoming soccer career cut short when 22-year-old Sinamandla Zondi of Durban City FC collapsed and died during warm-up just before the start of their match against Milford United FC at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.

According to information relayed to Premier Soccer League (PSL), who are custodians of the Motsepe Foundation Championships where Zondi plied his trade under Durban City, Zondi, who affectionately known to his colleagues and fan of City as ‘Sgora’ [the tough one], had been due to feature in their league match against Milford which was scheduled for 19H30 on April 22.

The information provided was that Sgora collapsed during warm-up shortly before the match was due to begin and was attended to by medical personnel on site. Due to the seriousness of his condition, Sgora was rushed to Chatsmed Garden Hospital but passed away shortly before 20H00 soon after his arrival.

The match had to be cancelled soon after the confirmation of his tragic passing and the club was offered an opportunity to postpone the upcoming match but offered to play the fixture today [April 25] at the same venue.

The PSL extended its heartfelt condolences to the Zondi family, his loved ones, and every one at Durban City FC during what it described as ‘a profoundly difficult time’.

In honour of Sgora’s memory, a moment of silence be observed at all Motsepe Foundation Championship, Betway Premiership and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures this week and weekend, a PSL statement said.