South African Football Plunged Into Shock and Mourning after Player Dies

• South African football has been struck by yet another tragedy
• This follows the death of Richards Bay player Siphamandla Mtolo
• 'Spepe', as he was known, collapsed and died while at a practice

The dark pall of death hanging over South African football continues to bring misery to the fraternity in the year 2023.

Richards Bay Football Club player, Siphamandla 'Spepe' Mtolo passed away on March 7.

The KwaZulu-Natal-based club made the announcement on social media:

"It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay Football Club has lost midfielder Siphamandla 'Spepe' Mtolo. He collapsed during training this morning. The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and asks that his family's privacy in this difficult time of bereavement."

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The club added Mtolo's presence on and off the pitch would be sorely missed.

"Thoughts and prayers from everyone at Richards Bay Football Club are with his family, friends and loved ones. A further statement will follow in due course."

In response to news of Mtolo's death, the Premier Soccer League said in a statement:

"The [PSL] is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Richards Bay Football Club midfielder, Siphamandla Mtolo. A moment of silence will be observed in his honour at this week’s Nedbank Cup and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures."

The league body also extended its condolences to Mtolo's family, Richards Bay FC, and the football fraternity at large.

"May his soul repose peacefully," the statement concluded.

PSL, SAFA fight over VAR

There can never be peace for too long between the South African Football Association and the Premier Soccer League, Sports Brief has reported.

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The two organisations are reportedly arguing over who will be in charge of implementing the video assistant referee system in the league.

It appears that what does not work in SAFA's favour is that PSL has money to burn, putting them in the position to implement VAR independently.

However, the football association is the custodian of all referees in South Africa, so there would be technicalities difficult for the PSL to overcome.