The South African football fraternity has come together to pay tribute to former Kaizer Chiefs defender TV analyst, Siphiwe Mkhonza, who passed away this morning.
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Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic defender and popular SABC Sport TV analyst Siphiwe Mkhonza has died, aged 45.
Mkhonza, affectionately known as "Dr Mnandi" was a hugely popular among fans for his engaging work at SABC, who he worked for after hanging up his boots.
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Let's take a closer look at the tributes dedicated to Mkhonza.
RIP Siphiwe Mkhonza
Siphiwe Mkhonza's passing sent shock waves in the South African football world, with his family confirming his passing after suffering from a long-term kidney infection.
His family's statement was shared by TimesLive and it revealed that the former Amakhosi player passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning at his Roodepoort home, where he was looked after by his girlfriend and the mother of his three children.
"He was admitted at Charlotte Maxeke a month ago and was released after showing signs of recovery," revealed Mkhonza's family, who added:
"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."
Mkhonza turned out for Bloemfontein Celtics, Ria Stars and Golden Arrows making the switch to Kaizer Chiefs in 2004. After leaving Chiefs in '07, he went on to play for SuperSport United, AmaZulu, Maritzburg United and Black Leopards, retiring in 2012.
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Here's how Mkhonza's friends, former clubs, media colleagues and fans paid tribute to him on social media:
RIP Siphiwe Mkhonza
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) March 5, 2024
Kaizer Chiefs are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Siphiwe Mkhonza.
"Dr. Mnandi" served the Club with distinction. As one of us, the entire Kaizer Chiefs family mourns with his loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.… pic.twitter.com/Eh5Iy5cb5k
The football fraternity is reeling from the news of the passing of football legend Siphiwe Mkhonza ??
— Carol Tshabalala (@SimplyCarol8) March 5, 2024
Thinking of family and friends during this difficult time ???? ??? pic.twitter.com/wyb78P7YOU
What can I even say ??
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) March 5, 2024
Lala kamnandi, skeem sami ????? pic.twitter.com/Rr9D21mkEQ
RIP coach ?? thank you for believing in me ??? https://t.co/nEsaSbfSv6
— Brown2man (@primo9teen) March 5, 2024
Sadness. @siphiwemkhonza4 - gone but never forgotten. Cherishing the fond memories and our shared screen time moments. #RIPMkhonza pic.twitter.com/NZTwwSrSKS
— Romy Titus (@romytitus) March 5, 2024
Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of Siphiwe "Dr Mnandi" Mkhonza ??
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) March 5, 2024
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family and friends. ??
May his soul rest In eternal peace. ??#MatsatsantsaUnified pic.twitter.com/yC8Rm3pK4u
RIP Son. Your soul lives on in the people you touched. ?? pic.twitter.com/5gKctwxJOF
— Muhsin Ertugral (@MuhsinErtugral) March 5, 2024
??? @siphiwemkhonza4 ??
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) March 5, 2024
You will be missed legend. pic.twitter.com/F3tAcyezba
I am devastated by the news of Siphiwe Mkhonza's untimely passing. A great player and a joyful man with a zest for life, we had many years of fun together. He was so cool that he commentated with a cap on under his headphones. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Dr Mnandi pic.twitter.com/ZTtFDHj8ig
— ?????????? ????????'?????? ?? (@no1commentator) March 5, 2024
Siphiwe Mkhonza made kasi football lingo an interesting thing in the professional football analysis.
— STAR. (@makwande_m) March 5, 2024
RIP ngwenya ?? pic.twitter.com/qnpxHG7ZnR
A towering defender in his time, Siphiwe Mkhonza was a leader on and off the field. He also had great perspectives on the game as an analyst. I am deeply saddened by Mkhonza's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mkhonza family and the South African football fraternity. pic.twitter.com/AuTtzs1seT
— Minister of Sport, Arts Culture (@zizikodwa) March 5, 2024
It is indeed a sad morning in my heart in Mzansians too. We're saying goodbye to a friend,colleague, beloved footballer.
— Christophe Bongo #CBA (@Christophbongo) March 5, 2024
We woke up with the news of his passing of our brother Siphiwe Mkhonza. May his soul rest in peace.A dieu mon frère, repose en paix RIP. Onlyvgood memories pic.twitter.com/PNyKWrv5xP
The South African Football Association sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Siphiwe Mkhonza
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) March 5, 2024
RIP legend ???????? pic.twitter.com/R51bsgsv0L
Siphiwe Mkhonza was such a cool guy, so much that Kaizer Chiefs sent him not their officials to talk to prime Teko Modise to join Amakhosi?
— YaseBlock B ???? (@ThisIsColbert) March 5, 2024
Condolences to the Mkhonza family the entire football fraternity.
RIP Dr Mnandi??
Naledi Sithelo Ghost Mbalula #SenzoMeyiwaTrial Pale pic.twitter.com/5OnVk6qosL
The SABC Sport team extends its deepest condolences to the Mkhonza family and friends during this difficult time.
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 5, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you??
RIP Dr Mnandi??? pic.twitter.com/Cs1fWDWXi1
I hope the boys today will play for Siphiwe Mkhonza who really loved Kaizer Chiefs from deep down his heart… He was one man who always spoke the truth about South African football and advocating for Kasi football.
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) March 5, 2024
Rest Easy Grootman lami ?????????? pic.twitter.com/DhZ7HUp74t
Siphiwe Mkhonza was a straight shooter in his football analysis. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.???#RIPSiphiweMkhonza pic.twitter.com/vgSXy9Zytr
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) March 5, 2024
Lamontville Golden Arrows would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Siphiwe Mkhonza who passed away today.
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) March 5, 2024
Rest in Peace "Dr Mandi"#SthendeWay #greenandgold pic.twitter.com/ByVvFnMLNw
Dr Mnandi?? Siphiwe Mkhonza has sadly passed away due to illness?? may his soul rest in peace ?? pic.twitter.com/X0QvxstJQW
— DISKI GALORE (@Diskigalore) March 5, 2024
My deepest condolences on the passing of Siphiwe Mkhonza. His legacy as a Kaizer Chiefs legend and his contributions as an analyst will be remembered fondly.
— Ntokozo Masuku (@visse_ss) March 5, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and friends during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace.… pic.twitter.com/Ituvu48Kbr
RIP ??? Siphiwe Mkhonza
— Call me Thabo?? (@Callmethaboo2nd) March 5, 2024
Phumula Qhawe! Phumula Dr mnandi
Condolences to the Mkhonza family pic.twitter.com/5Z9QlwqTsD
.@MikeMakaab and the staff of Prosport International are deeply saddened by the passing of Siphiwe Mkhonza. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. May his soul Rest in Peace ????? pic.twitter.com/e4fp15APZ0
— Prosport International (@ProsportInt) March 5, 2024
Rest Well Skizo ?????? pic.twitter.com/8f3xCok84K
— Siphiwe Tshabalala (@siphiweshabba) March 5, 2024
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