South African footballer dies after collapsing during a match

Zondi: Photo Credit: Durban City FC.

A South African professional footballer has died after reportedly collapsing during a second-tier league match on Tuesday.

South African media reports suggest that Durban City FC player Sinamandla Zondi collapsed during a Motsepe Foundation Championship match against Milford FC at Chartsworth Stadium.

He was rushed to a hospital, where he eventually died. Milford led 1-0 at half-time before the game was suspended due to the emergency. Durban City released a statement confirming the tragedy, but did not disclose the circumstances leading to Zondi's death.

"It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi aka Sgara, a loved member of the Durban City family. Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer. He was a team- mate, a friend, a brother, a son, and an inspiration to all who knew him," the statement reads.

The Premier Soccer League will issue an official statement on the incident and decide on when the match will be rescheduled. The game between Durban City and Milford FC is among the deciders for the title and promotion race to the top-tier Betway Premiership.

City were playing in the Betway Premiership two years ago under the name of Maritzburg United before eventually getting relegated. They lead the Motsepe Foundation Championship race while Milford lie in seventh place.