Messages of condolences have been pouring in for Phezulu Football Club players Siyabonga Zulu (31) and Nhlanhla Masina (30), who died in an apparent head-on collision on the P185 road near Unicor Dam, between Evander and Secunda, early Sunday morning.

Ridge Times first reported on the accident in a post on its Facebook page that morning.

Zulu and Masina were traveling in the same car with their teammate, Thabo Mosadi, after a post-match event in Driekoppies. Their vehicle and a bakkie collided in what appears to have been a head-on collision in one lane of the dual carriageway.

Zulu and Masina died at the scene, while Mosadi was rushed to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained. He has since been discharged.

Zulu had played professional football for Platinum Stars, Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Bafana Bafana. He had been living in Secunda for only about six months.

Zulu’s funeral service will be held in his hometown of Soweto on February 22 at the Dlamini 2 Multi-Purpose Centre.
Masina’s funeral service will take place in Bethal, also on February 22, though details are still to be confirmed.

Masina worked for the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Solid Waste Management Services.

Kgomotso Malapane, team manager of Phezulu Football Club, described Masina as a people-oriented and family-loving person who was funny and passionate about football. He also had a talent for singing.

In a statement released by the club, Malapane said:

“This is a devastating loss for our club, the families of the deceased, and the entire football community. Zulu and Masina were not only talented athletes but also incredible individuals who brought passion and dedication to the game.”

He further emphasized that the impact Masina and Zulu had on and off the field will never be forgotten.

The club also requested privacy for the grieving families.

Local police have not yet confirmed the sequence of events. Sergeant Zuki Mxhotyelwa, spokesperson for the Evander police, requested that questions be sent to her and stated she would respond by February 19.

Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, confirmed that the driver of the bakkie also sustained serious injuries.

“Two cases of culpable homicide are being investigated. However, a thorough investigation still needs to be done to determine which driver was at fault.”