The South African Football Association (SAFA) has extended its heartfelt condolences to its Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya, following the passing of his father, Mr Elias Freddie Ngwenya.
In a statement, SAFA praised Dr Ngwenya’s unwavering commitment to South African football and acknowledged the deep personal loss he and his family are enduring. “The South African Football Association family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Elias Freddie Ngwenya, father of our own Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya,” the Association said.
Mr Ngwenya passed away last week and will be laid to rest on Saturday, 6 July 2025, in Rocky Drift Cemetery in Mpumalanga. The funeral service is scheduled to take place at Mpumalanga Alliance Church in Kabokweni.
Dr Ngwenya has been a central figure in ensuring the health and safety of national teams, including Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, during domestic and international fixtures. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially praised for helping guide protocols and medical safety in South African football.
Messages of support and sympathy have poured in from across the football community, with players, coaches, and administrators paying tribute to the Ngwenya family.
SAFA has called on the public and football fraternity to keep the Ngwenya family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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