South African footballer Bonginkosi Ntuli, 32, a center forward with the AmaZulu Football Club, has passed away. His death comes two months after he married the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Sinenjabulo Zungu.
In a statement issued on November 5, 2023, AmaZulu club revealed the late Ntuu died from an aggressive cancer.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved center forward and loyal servant, Bonginkosi Ntuli. Ntuli was very recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, which metastasized and ultimately led to his death at the Midlands Center Private Hospital in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon,” read the statement in part.
The club went on to request for privacy and patience for his family and friends, promising to make further announcements in due course.
Ntuli and Ms Zungu tied the knot on September 12, 2023 in a luxurious white wedding in Midlands, having undergone through traditional marriage rites in May 2023. South Africa’s who’s who attended the high profile wedding that made news outside South Africa as well.
Ms Zungu’s father, Sandile Zungu, is the owner of AmaZulu FC and he flew in the bride on a chopper to her wedding venue. Following the wedding, the couple travelled to the Maldives and Europe for their honeymoon.
Following news of Ntuli’s death, South Africans mourned the player who had done two on-loan stints at AmaZulu before he signed on as a permanent player:
“He was a marvelous player to watch,may his soul rest in peace,” mourned Kabelo Mohlah.
“Rest in peace Bongi, this is heartbreaking condolences to the family and AmaZulu,” added Slingito.
“Condolences to Ntuli family, Zungu family Amazulu football Club,Spar sponsor and friends of both families and to all loving soccer fans We said God given God taken to umakoti be strong sisi we pray for on this time of sorrow,” said Mabongi.
“Condolences to Amazulu FC, family & friends, this is painful. We can only pray for strength to u all. The player was young, looked healthy, players exercise regularly , so we can safely say, all the boxes were ticked here. Lord ONLY u can explain this, we can’t 🙏,” said Mandlarista.
“Ezibuhlungu azipheli. May his soul rest in peace. I will forever have his picture scoring a tap-in against Chiefs at FNB in 2020 on my mind. He was a good player,” added Shugga.
