It has to rank as one of the saddest stories in football, and the death of 23 year-old South African midfielder Thembinkosi Mbamba has thrown the Country into mourning.
Mbamba, 23, was confirmed dead on Saturday morning as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
Just a week ago, the midfielder won the NedBank Cup with TS Galaxy, achieving a historic feat as the first ever lower division side to clinch the competition.
A product of the Nedbank Ke Yona Team search, Mbamba had his breakthrough season in the NFD in 2018-19, making 10 starts and one substitute appearance. He scored one goal, per Super Sport.
In the early hours of Saturday, TS Galaxy broke the news on Twitter:
A sad morning for the TS Galaxy family as we woke up to the sad news of Thembinkosi Mbamba’s passing. Last week we were celebrating with him, today we mourn him. Our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult period. Sleep well young Rocket.
A sad morning for the TS Galaxy family as we woke up to the sad news of Thembinkosi Mbamba’s passing. Last week we were celebrating with him, today we mourn him. Our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult period. Sleep well young Rocket. pic.twitter.com/pCKyxH0orv
— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) May 25, 2019
The club later released a statement confirming the passing of the player:
“We at TS Galaxy Football Club are deeply saddened by the passing of this rising star,” Sukazi said in a statement released by the club.
“Thembinkosi had a bright future ahead of him, and the football fraternity at large has lost one of the most promising youngsters. We wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the messages of condolence received by the Club.
“On behalf of the Club, its management, players and its supporters, I would like convey our commiserations to the Mbamba family. Aluhlanga olungehlanga, it is God’s will.”
