Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs football legend Siphiwe Mkhonza has died at the age of 44.
The football fraternity learnt with shock of the passing of the former footballer on Tuesday morning. He succumbed to an illness.
Kaizer Chiefs said the team was “deeply saddened” to learn of the untimely passing of Mkhonza.
The club said on X: “‘Dr. Mnandi’ served the Club with distinction. As one of us, the entire Kaizer Chiefs family mourns with his loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
“We wish them strength and comfort.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Confirming the sad development, the family of the former Golden Arrows FC and Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza said he passed on in the early hours of Tuesday morning at home.
“Mkhonza affectionly known as ‘Dr Mnandi’ from his current employer SABC, has been suffering from kidney infection for a long time,” his family said in a statement.
“‘He was admitted at Charlotte Maxeke a month ago and was released after showing signs of recovery.”
Mkhonza was being cared for by his partner and mother of his three children, Nondumiso Masengemi, at their home in Roodepoort when he passed on.
“The family wishes to thank his former employer and his colleagues at SABC, fellow football legends from the stable he belonged to, and friends for their support during his illness,” the statement said.
Mkhonza is survived by his, children, his father Joseph Skheshe Kheshe Mkhonza, his mother Phindile Mkhonza, and his brother.
The family said it would communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements.
