The South African Football Association (SAFA) has expressed its condolences to the family of Siphiwe Mkhonza following the news of his passing on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024.
Siphiwe Mkhonza, a former Bafana Bafana defender and son of former Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza, succumbed to illness at the age of 44 at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Mkhonza, who had also showcased his talents for renowned clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, and Bloemfontein Celtic, had recently been contributing as a soccer analyst at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Expressing the family’s profound grief, Joseph Mkhonza stated, “We are devastated as a family and we are in shock. We were looking forward to so much from him and we thought he would recover. I am at a loss for words.”
Dr. Danny Jordaan, the President of SAFA, lamented the loss of a versatile player and a respected individual.
He played for several teams, among them Kaizer Chiefs, Amazulu, Bloemfontein Celtics and also turned out for Bafana Bafana. After hanging up his boots he went into broadcasting and cut a niche for himself with his humour, incisive and thorough analysis. This is a sad day for South African football. May his soul Rest in Peace, – said Dr. Jordaan.
As arrangements are made for Mkhonza’s memorial service and funeral, the Mkhonza family, along with SAFA, mourn the loss of a remarkable figure in South African football history.
In a statement, SAFA extended its deepest condolences and joined in mourning the passing of Siphiwe Mkhonza, a player whose contributions on and off the field will be remembered by many.
May his soul Rest in Peace.
