SEBOKENG.- A wave of panic recently swept through the football community after false reports claimed that young former Kaizer Chiefs footballer, Sabelo ‘Bibo’ Radebe, had passed away.

Messages of condolence quickly flooded social media.

One such post on Facebook under the page Martha–Nanaka read: “Tragic News: R.I.P. Another sad day for South African Football – Sabelo Radebe.”

Sedibeng Ster Sport immediately contacted Radebe’s former coach, Themba Dlamini, to verify the report.

“This can’t be true,” Dlamini said.

“This morning, the boy viewed my WhatsApp status. I’m not sure who posted this, but let me call him and I’ll get back to you.”

True to his word, Dlamini later confirmed that Radebe is alive and well.

He explained that he had received multiple calls from fellow coaches and soccer fans inquiring about the news. Dlamini, who discovered Radebe at a young age from the dusty streets of Zone 3, Sebokeng in Vaal, said he was very disappointed with whoever posted such sensitive issues.

When Sedibeng Ster Sport called Radebe, he assured fans, saying, “I received calls from many people, including my teammates, asking me about this. I told them that I’m still alive and I have no idea who spread this fake news. The only thing I can say is that I’m okay, well, and strong.”

Kaizer Chiefs parted ways with Radebe after his return to Naturena from an unsuccessful loan spell at Richards Bay FC.

This is not the first time a South African footballer has been the victim of such misinformation.

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward, Abia Nale, was also falsely reported dead some time ago, highlighting a troubling trend of fake news circulating on social media targeting players.