Player collapses and dies during warm-up for South African club
Zondi made his professional debut in September 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season.
South African footballer Sinamandla Zondi died on Tuesday after collapsing in the warm-up before a National First Division league match, his club, Durban City, announced.
The 22-year-old Zondi was taken to hospital ahead of Durban's game against Milford FC, and the match was abandoned at halftime when news broke that he had died, with players from both teams understandably distraught.
The cause of death was still to be determined.
"It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi, aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family," the club said in a statement on its official website.
"Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer. He was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a son, and an inspiration to all who knew him."
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time," added the statement.
Zondi made his professional debut in September 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season.
Durban City are currently top of the South African second tier and are on course for promotion to the top flight Premier Soccer League PSL.
Durban City Football Club was originally known as Maritzburg United.
The club was founded in 1981 and initially played in the Federation Professional League.
In August 2024, the club announced it was changing its name to Durban City and moving from Pietermaritzburg to Chatsworth in Durban.