Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of 31-year-old football player Siyabonga Zulu. Siyabonga tragically lost his life in a car accident on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Throughout his 14-year career, Zulu played for top teams, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, and he went on to play for Bafana Bafana at international level.
MEC Chiloane stated, “Another life of a footballer has been claimed by the roads. We are profoundly saddened by this painful loss of such a great talent. The ongoing tragedy of losing players through car accidents has continued for too long, and it may be time to look into.
“We call upon the football fraternity, including clubs, the league, player agencies, and unions, to find ways to address this issue, particularly as part of the support and development programmes provided to players.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Siyabonga Zulu family, as well as with South Africa’s football community, who have lost a star player. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said MEC Matome Chiloane.
