By Lukanyo Tshitshi
The former Kaizer Chiefs Centre back, Siphiwe "Dr Mnandi" Mkhonza, Picture: Gallo images.
The former Kaizer chiefs, Golden Arrows, and Bloemfontein Celtics defender, Siphiwe "Dr Mnandi" Mkhonza, has passed away at the age of 44 after reportedly battling with a kidney infection.
The Mkhonza family confirmed the passing of the football legend and analyst on Tuesday morning and disclosed that he had been suffering from a kidney infection.
"He was admitted at Charlotte Maxeke (hospital) a month ago and was released after showing signs of recovery, Mkhonza has been taken care off by his girlfriend and the mother of his three children Ms Nondumiso Masengemi at their home in Roodepoort," said the family in a statement.
"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 football fraternity is saddened to learn of the death of football legend Siphiwe, Consolation messages from his former clubs, football fans, and Siphiwe's colleagues flooded social media, reaching out to the Mkhonza family and friends.
Mkhonza made his first appearance in South African top-flight football playing for Bloemfontein Celtics in 1999 at the age of 20. He made 61 appearances for the Free State-based side from 1999 to 2001 and led the Siwelele to its biggest home victory in the 1999–2000 Premier Soccer League season, beating Mother City 6–0.
After spending two seasons with Siwelele, Mkhonza joined the Ria Stars in 2001 and made 30 appearances before joining the Golden Arrows in KwaZulu-Natal province a year later, in 2002.
In his two seasons with the Golden Arrows, he showed hunger for football, and his performance attracted interest from big clubs. In 2004, he signed for Kaizer Chiefs in Johannesburg.
Performing on a bigger stage with the Kaizer Chiefs, Mkhonza's first season with the Soweto giant was filled with achievements that every young player would want to achieve. Mkhonza rose through the ranks to earn his first national team call-up and won his first league title with Amakhosi in the 2004–05 season, which was his first season with Glamour Boys.
The Spring-born centre back continued to showcase his values and leadership qualities after his exit at the Chiefs, having played for SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, and Amazulu, and eventually hanged his boots at the Black Leopards in 2012 after 13 years of top-flight professional football career.
Mkhonza had his after-football life figured out as he joined SABC shortly after his retirement in 2013. He joined the SABC sports soccer analysis show "Laduma," which broadcasts on Saturdays and Sundays between 14:30 and 17:30.
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