What You Need to Know
A Burundi football player, Egeraniza Emi Gerik, died after collapsing during a second-division match, raising concerns about superstitious practices in sports. Witnesses suggest he may have swallowed a coin linked to local beliefs, prompting an investigation by the Burundi Football Federation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Africa. A Burundi football player died after collapsing during a second-division match, sparking widespread controversy in the country’s sports community.
Sources indicate that player Egeraniza Emi Gerik, a midfielder for the “Lake Wasps” club, collapsed during his team’s match against LLB Amasipiri Never Give Up, held at the National Technical Center in Ngagara.
Despite the rapid intervention of the medical team on the field and his swift transfer to the hospital, he passed away during transport.
The Burundi Football Federation issued a statement offering condolences to the player’s family and club, without specifying the exact causes of death, only noting that an investigation into the incident has been opened.
Local media, including the African Public Radio, reported that witnesses suggested the player may have accidentally swallowed a coin he kept in his mouth during the match, leading to severe complications.
This coin is reportedly linked to what is locally known as “tamaim” or “hujub,” practices believed to still exist in some football circles in the country.
Although the player had previously denied engaging in such practices, the incident has reignited the debate about their continuation and the potential risks they pose to player safety. So far, no official confirmations have been made by sports or health authorities regarding the final causes of death, pending the results of medical and administrative investigations.
Burundi has a rich football culture, but it also grapples with superstitions that can influence players and teams. Such beliefs often manifest in various forms, including rituals and charms believed to enhance performance or protect players. The intersection of sports and local traditions can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in this incident, which has reignited discussions about player safety and the impact of superstition in sports.
The recent death of Egeraniza Emi Gerik highlights the ongoing tension between traditional beliefs and modern sports practices. While many players and officials dismiss these superstitions, incidents like this serve as a reminder of their potential dangers.
