AmaZulu FC player Bonginkosi ‘Bongi’ Ntuli has died. Picture: Instagram.com/bongientuli7.
The South African soccer fraternity is mourning the untimely death of AmaZulu FC player Bonginkosi ‘Bongi’ Ntuli. According to a statement released by his club, Ntuli died on Sunday, 05 November 2023 at the Midlands Medical Center in Pietermaritzburg following a short battle with an “aggressive form” of cancer, the type of which has not been disclosed.
Bongi was hospitalized in September and again last month after suffering from chest pains. He was moved between different hospitals in KZN as his condition worsened. His death came as a shock to many due to his age (32) and the fact that there were reports of him getting better.
Condolence messages have been pouring in on social media since the news of Ntuli’s death was announced. On Monday, AmaZulu FC’s fellow KZN-based club Royal AM took to Facebook to express their sympathies. “We, the entire Royal AM Football Club, are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic loss of your beloved son, son-in-law, husband, and esteemed strike. Our hearts ache with grief and we extend our sincerest condolences to you and the AmaZulu Football Club during this incredibly difficult time.
“Losing someone dearly loved is an immense sorrow that words can hardly express. We can only imagine the profound sadness and pain that you and your family are experiencing right now. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we offer our unwavering support during this period of mourning,” the club said in a Facebook post.
Ntuli was the son-in-law of AmaZulu club owner Sandile Zungu. He tied the knot with the latter’s daughter Sinenjabulo Zungu in May this year. He leaves behind his wife and their three children, two of whom he is said to share with his ex-partner and the third one from his wife’s previous relationship.
Update: 11 Nov 2023
Bonginkosi’s father Thulani Ntuli revealed on Tuesday that his son died of lung cancer.
