Tributes are pouring in for the late former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyabonga Zulu, who tragically passed away on Saturday.
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The story
The South African football community is in deep mourning after the tragic death of former Sundowns and Orlando Pirates academy graduate Siyabonga Zulu, alongside his teammate Nhlanhla Masina.
Zulu, at just 31 years old, made over 80 professional appearances and represented both Bafana Bafana and the U23 national team.
His football journey began in 2011 with Pirates, and over the years, he played for several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers in East London on loan, MFC, United FC, Sivutsa FC, Chippa United, Platinum Stars, Black Leopards, All Stars, and NB La Masia.
Despite his tumultuous year at Masandawana, the versatile defender walked away with a league winners medal in the 2017/18 season.
Zulu's dedication for the game continued as he played for Phezulu FC in Mpumalanga in the ABC Motsepe League, the last club he represented.
One of his most memorable moments came when he made his Bafana Bafana debut under Shakes Mashaba against Mauritania, a match that ended in disappointment as he was shown a red card.
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Here are some of the tributes for Zulu shared on the Twitter/X timeline:
The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of former Mamelodi Sundowns… pic.twitter.com/EZaVKxPiI7
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 16, 2025
SAD NEWS FROM MPUMALANGA ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE Phezulu FC were involved in an accident on their way back from a game and unfortunately the accident claimed the life of former Siyabonga Zulu and Nhlanhla Masina.Condolences go out to Zulu ,Masina families and the entire Phezulu FC pic.twitter.com/LS0nj3rZzN
— Football Stage (@Football__Stage) February 16, 2025
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyabonga Zulu has passed on. His side, Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League club Phezulu FC were involved in a car crash, and Zulu, along with Nhlanhla Masina, lost their lives. Condolences to the families and the football club. pic.twitter.com/aFjdCYlFfs
— A Dog That Bites (@SkepeMatsebane) February 16, 2025
???Rest in peace ???Fmr Sundowns left-back Siyabonga Zulu,who was once bewitched by his ex-lover Gogo Maweni,lost his life in a car accident while traveling home from a game for his team Phezulu FC in the ABC Motsepe League.Hamba kahle, legend of the game??#Sundowns #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/UnSBgLrvVk
— ??????????????????? (@YELL0MAN) February 16, 2025
I just Learnt Siyabonga Zulu has passed. This is so sad man. He was a towering defender. Luck eluded him in football. That costly mistake in Mauritania cost him his career.
— Mpho Ncube (@Pitsere) February 16, 2025
Yooo Nkos yam ????Rest in peace boy??Siyabonga Zulu ?? pic.twitter.com/Gsp5QvKJ1V
— #fikz (@Fikz_the_Cook) February 16, 2025
Rest in Peace Siyabonga "Findo" Zulu pic.twitter.com/4c4YjNf43q
— peace xesi (@peace_xesi) February 16, 2025
RIP Siyabonga Zulu ?? ??? pic.twitter.com/df27O5Lksl
— P Management Sports (@PManagementRSA) February 16, 2025
Very sad news. Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyabonga Zulu has sadly passed away ?? ??. May His Soul Rest In Peace???????? pic.twitter.com/JO1y6pKaY0
— Benjamin Nyirenda (@BenjaminNyirend) February 16, 2025
RIP SIYABONGA ZULU#Chidima #Afrikaners #BBMzansi #unathi pic.twitter.com/GT9LdiYwNn
— Rock_Shandy (@Jessica_Rarah) February 16, 2025
Rip Siyabonga Zulu ??What a great player , unfortunately we did not see the best of him ?? pic.twitter.com/MRtdFL9zay
— #NativeOfBelaBela (@tsheko2020) February 16, 2025
Rest in peace, Siyabonga Zulu. Gone but not forgotten ?????. pic.twitter.com/BhHZzk5GzH
— Kai Watford jr ???? (@KaiWatfordjr) February 16, 2025
Sad to wake up to news that Siyabonga Zulu the former Mamelodi Sundowns, Black Leopards, Platinum Stars, LaMasia and Orlando Pirates juniors is no more. Apparently, He and a friend died in a car crash. Lala Mageba?? pic.twitter.com/lZ7bCbkc8W
— Themba Tshabalala (@Themba_TT) February 16, 2025
#SiyabongaZulu only God knows ??? Farewell bhut' wami pic.twitter.com/U0WZjuFKbJ
— ??Nubian KingQueen?? (@nubian_caramelo) February 16, 2025
Iyoo ??????Such a humble soul Such a kind soul May you rest easy Zulu Bby ??????????#siyabonga Zulu Iyooo my friend ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????#trainaccident pic.twitter.com/ELcnQh3Y2x
— mpumi (@mpumi25926463) February 16, 2025
