South African football has lost one of its brightest stars, Bongi Ntuli, who died of cancer at the age of 32. Ntuli was a prolific and passionate striker who played for AmaZulu FC, a club in the DStv Premiership, South Africa’s premier football league. He was also the captain and the leader of the team and a role model and mentor for many young and aspiring players. His death on November 5, 2023, shocked and saddened the entire football fraternity, as well as his fans and admirers. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Bongi Ntuli and how his tragic death has impacted South African football.
Who was Bongi Ntuli?
Bongi Ntuli was born on September 4, 1991, in Durban, South Africa. He grew up in a football-loving family and started playing the game at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the biggest clubs in South Africa, and made his senior debut in 2012. He scored his first goal for the club in 2013 in a 3-0 win over Platinum Stars.
However, he struggled to get regular playing time at Sundowns and was loaned out to several clubs, such as Golden Arrows, Platinum Stars, and AmaZulu FC. He finally found his home at AmaZulu FC, where he signed a permanent deal in 2019. He became the club’s top scorer in the 2019/20 season, with 13 goals in 23 games. Also, he led the club to a second-place finish in the 2020/21 season and a qualification for the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history.
What was Bongi Ntuli’s career?
Ntuli was widely regarded as one of the best strikers in South Africa and was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season award in 2020. He was praised for his skills, speed, strength, and work ethic, and he was admired by his coaches, teammates, and opponents. His coach, Benni McCarthy, said: “He is a fantastic player, a fantastic human being. He works hard, he gives everything for the team.” His teammate, Luvuyo Memela, said: “He is a leader, a mentor, a friend. He always motivates us, he always encourages us.”
What did he achieve?
Ntuli achieved many milestones and accolades in his football career, both at the club and national level. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Winning the Nedbank Cup with Platinum Stars in 2013, scoring the winning goal in the final against Kaizer Chiefs.
- Finishing as the joint top scorer in the PSL with 14 goals in the 2019/20 season, helping AmaZulu FC avoid relegation.
- Helping AmaZulu FC qualify for the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history, finishing second in the PSL in the 2020/21 season.
- He scored his 100th career goal in a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates on August 21, 2023, becoming the 12th player to reach the milestone in the PSL era.
- He scored his last goal in a 3-2 win over Cape Town City on September 25, 2023, just a month before his death.
How did Bongi Ntuli die, and how did it affect South African football?
Bongi Ntuli died of cancer, a disease that he had been battling for a long time, without revealing it to the media or the fans. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that metastasized and affected his lungs and chest. He underwent several treatments and surgeries, but his condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to the disease on November 5, 2023.
AmaZulu FC announced his death on their official website and social media platforms, and it received thousands of views, comments, and retweets and became a trending topic on various platforms. The club said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our captain, our hero, our legend, Bongi Ntuli. He fought bravely until the end, but God had other plans for him. He will always be in our hearts and minds.”
His death also sparked an outpouring of grief and sympathy from the football community, as well as from his fans and admirers. Many people expressed their sadness, shock, and admiration for him and paid tribute to his legacy and impact. Some of the messages that he received were:
- “Rest in peace, Bongi Ntuli. You were a great player, a great leader, a great person. You will be missed by everyone who loves football.” – Kaizer Chiefs FC.
- “We are deeply saddened by the news of Bongi Ntuli’s passing. He was a formidable opponent, a fierce competitor, and a respectful gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and club.” – Orlando Pirates FC.
- “We are heartbroken by the loss of Bongi Ntuli. He was a talented and dedicated player who inspired and entertained many fans and fellow players. He was also a courageous and humble fighter who never gave up on his dreams. He was a true hero and a legend.” – SAFA.
What are the lessons and challenges of Bongi Ntuli’s death case?
Bongi Ntuli’s death case has revealed some important lessons and challenges for the football world and society at large. It has highlighted the need for more awareness and education on cancer and other health conditions and the need for better medical care and prevention. It has also showcased the power and potential of online platforms and communities and the need for more honesty and compassion for football players and online content creators who face health challenges.
Cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world, and it can strike anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or profession. Football players are not immune to it, and they may face additional risks and pressures due to their physical and mental demands and their public exposure. Therefore, they must be informed and educated about the signs and symptoms of cancer and the ways to prevent and treat it. It is also crucial that they have access to quality and affordable health care and that they are supported and encouraged by their clubs, associations, and fans.
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Online platforms and communities are powerful and influential tools that can be used for good or for evil. They can be used to spread information and awareness, to connect and communicate, to support and inspire, to entertain and educate. They can also be used to spread misinformation and rumors, to harass and bully, to exploit and manipulate, to deceive and defame. Football players and online content creators are often the targets of both positive and negative online interactions, and they may face various challenges and dilemmas in dealing with them. Therefore, it is essential that they are empowered and protected by their platforms and that they are honest and compassionate with their audiences.
Bongi Ntuli’s death case has sparked a debate among football fans and online users, who have different opinions and arguments about his actions and decisions. Some of them said:
- “Bongi Ntuli is a hero and a legend. He deserves respect and honor. He kept his illness a secret because he wanted to protect his privacy and dignity. He wanted to focus on his football and his family. He wanted to inspire and motivate others with his courage and determination. He did not owe anyone an explanation or an apology.”
- “Bongi Ntuli is a coward and a liar. He deserves criticism and condemnation. He hid his illness from the media and the fans because he wanted to avoid scrutiny and accountability. He wanted to keep his fame and fortune. He wanted to deceive and manipulate others with his lies and secrets. He betrayed his trust and his responsibility.”