Maritzburg United have confirmed the passing of attacking midfielder Luyanda Ntshangase, the third time in recent seasons the club has been hit by tragedy.
The 21-year-old had been fighting for his life since being struck by lightning on March 1. At the time, he was playing in a friendly for the Team of Choice.
Ntshangase, who was promoted to the first team two seasons ago by then coach Ernst Middendorp, made four appearances for the club this season.
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia said the club was extremely sad about the passing of Ntshangase.
The club revealed that they will be meeting with the family of their former player before making memorial service and funeral arrangements public.
"We are extremely sad about the loss of Luyanda, an exciting young player with enormous potential. He had been nurtured by the club and brought through our ranks, having being given his debut against Kaizer Chiefs two season’s ago by former head coach Ernst Middendorp," Kadodia said in a club statement on Friday.
"On behalf of Maritzburg United Football club, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ntshangase family in their time of bereavement - our prayers and thoughts are with you," added Kadodia.
This is the third time in as many years that Maritzburg United have been hit by the death of a player.
In 2016, Mondli Cele lost his life in a tragic car accident, soon after their game against Orlando Pirates at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
This was followed by the passing of Mlondi Dlamini, who also passed away after being involved in a car accident in October 2017.
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