A 16-year-old soccer player, Andani Kutama from Benny’s Sports Academy in Tshiozwi, collapsed and died during a match in the Metropolitan SASFA U-16 Cup national finals at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban last Thursday.

Benny’s played against Freedom Park of North West and, in the 13th minute, Andani collapsed. The ball was out of play at the time and there was no prior contact with any other player, said the president of the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa), Mr Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko.

He added that the referee immediately went to Andani and checked his condition. He then he called the paramedics. They took him off the pitch on a stretcher. “They tried to revive him, but when they realised that Andani was not reacting to the treatment, they took him to the Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in an ambulance.  He was declared dead at the hospital,” Mazibuko said.

“It’s very strange and we cannot understand it, because there was no contact with any player. He just collapsed,” Mazibuko added. "We are deeply saddened by his death and send our condolences to the family. He lost his life tragically. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

According to him, Sasfa sent counsellors to assist Andani’s teammates and support staff. “They are understandably devastated by this loss,” added Mazibuko. “I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and wish them strength during this extremely difficult time,” he said

Andani’s father,  Mr Frank “Jabu” Kutama, said the incident had left them with many questions unanswered. ”It is very difficult to accept the death of a healthy child whom you last saw a few days earlier. We sometimes just feel it could not have happened to our child, but we know it was his day.” Kutama said the family was heartbroken. He said the family had accepted that it was the will of God and were looking to God for comfort. “There are things that we as human beings cannot change. We all have to accept those things and go on with life,” he said.

The president of the South African Football Association (Safa), Mr Kirsten Nematandani, said that his association was deeply saddened by Andani’s death and he sent his condolences to the family. “News of this nature is heartbreaking and our thoughts are with the family and fellow team members,” Nematandani said.

According to Nematandani, the news of the boy’s death sent shockwaves through the sporting world. He also mentioned that Andani's death was a huge loss, “and to repair it will not be easy. His tragic death left us with deep pain, grief and anguish.”

The head coach at Benny’s Sports Academy, Mr Justice Matloga said that Andani was always positive and told lots of jokes. “This is a huge shock and totally unexpected. We mourn his death." Matloga added that they had lost a young, energetic player who was enjoying football. He added that the whole school was in deep mourning and the mood was very sombre. “The whole school will have to undergo counselling."

According to Andani’s roommate and captain of the team, Mbulaheni Mukwevho, it will be difficult for the team to continue after the death of their star striker. ”Every team that clashed with us in the past always had a problem containing Andani. Local soccer fanatics will remember him for his dribbling skills, which made him an instant hero in the area." Mukwevho said his friends would always remember Andani as he was always joking with every player.

Metropolitan CEO Phillip Matlakala added: “To have a young life snuffed out so prematurely is tragic. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time." Cllr David Mutavhatsindi, the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, also expressed his condolences to the grieving family. “Andani's death is not only a loss to his family, but to the Makhado community as a whole. It is sad that he passed away while he still had a lot to contribute to football,” Mutavhatsindi said.

Andani will be buried tomorrow (Saturday) at Tshikwarani. He is survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Although the team was devastated by the tragedy, they decided to finish all their matches. Benny's Care finished the tournament in 11th position out of 16 teams. Rosina Sedibane High from the Gauteng were the champions for the second consecutive year.

At the time of our going to press, the result of the post mortem examination was not available yet. A spokesperson for the family said they hope the result will be made available before the funeral.