Africa-Press – Eswatini. This best describes the untimely death of former Eswatini international player Bongani ‘Ndezi’ Masangane, who was also known as ‘Mgababa’. The legendary Masangane reportedly passed away on Monday afternoon, succumbing to an illness while receiving medical attention on transit to the Mbabane Government Hospital from Manzini. The sad news was confirmed by a close relative, who said the 46-year-old celebrated soccer legend, who played for Mbabane Highlanders as well as South Africa’s Black Leopards at the beginning of the millennium, died after being ill. ‘Ndezi’ was also part of the Sihlangu squad, which made history by beating Zimbabwe 2-0 in their backyard in the then Castle Council of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Cup quarter-final on May 5, 2002. “Yes it’s true that Bongani is no more,” the distraught close family member who was said to be a brother to the deceased briefly said.
His teammate at Black Leopards and Sihlangu Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko said he had lost a brother as they played together for a long time. “It’s really bad news; he was like a brother to me and we spent the better part of our careers playing together. I am heartbroken,” the former Mbabane Swallows winger said. Former Mbabane Highlanders and Sihlangu playmaker Celumusa ‘Sis Monica’ Vilakati said he was shocked by the sad news as he used to spend weekends with him and he never showed any signs of illness, the last time he was with him was last weekend.
Believe
“I still don’t believe that he is gone, I was with him while I was from Mavuso Sports Centre to watch Highlanders and Moneni. It sounds like a bad dream and someone will wake me up to tell me that it is not true,” Vilakati said. He said the country had lost a legend in Masangane, he then sent his heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire nation on his passing. Another legend, who was shocked by the sudden death of ‘Mgababa’ was former Sihlangu and Inkunzi Emnyama Captain Mlungisi ‘Madzala’ Ngubane, who said he was touched by what befell Masangane, as they played together for a long time. “We have lost a brother; we played together at both Highlanders and Sihlangu. We were part of the Sihlangu team which beat Zimbabwe. He has played his part by representing the country well until he retired,” Ngubane said. The former Mbabane Swallows skipper hoped that God would comfort all those affected by the passing of Masangane.
Meanwhile, former Manzini Wanderers legend Mxolisi ‘Stopper’ Mthethwa also remembered how Masangane was influential in their victory away in Zimbabwe and expressed his shock at the untimely death of the legendary player. “I am shocked but no one dies by mistake, we have lost a true legend. I didn’t hear anything about him about being unwell because I would have gone to visit him. As his friends we are in pain,” Mthethwa said. He then urged his family, friends and the nation at large not to despair as death was part of the human journey. He said Masangane was not just a colleague, but a homeboy as they were from Ludzeludze and he further promised his family that they would come in their numbers as former teammates and friends of the fallen hero, to pay their last respect.
prominence
It is worth mentioning that ‘Ndezi’ rose to prominence in the country, after his impressive performance during the 2002 Castle COSAFA Cup against Zimbabwe, where his timely tackles left a lasting impression. After almost 15 years as a player, he retired from the sport in 2006. On the other hand, the football community has recently faced a series of devastating tragedies.
The Sihlangu legend passing is the fourth in the country within a span of three months. On New Year’s Eve, Manzini Wanderers defender Kwanele Dlamini collapsed during a stokvel tournament in Lavumisa and sadly passed away. Last month, Denver Sundowns striker Mukelo Nkambule succumbed to a mysterious illness. Before that, Ubombo Flyers defender, Phumlani Masango, tragically lost his life due to a stabbing incident.
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