Harambee Stars international Ovella Ochieng’ and his Richards Bay teammates have been thrown into mourning after the top tier South African football club confirmed the untimely passing of midfielder Siphamandla Mtolo on Tuesday evening.In a statement released on their official social media platforms, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club noted with distress that the player passed on during their training session on Tuesday morning.We are saddened to hear about the passing of Siphamandla “Spepe” Mtolo. 🕊️Our deepest condolences to the Mtolo family and @RichardsBayFC_. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/hoTr7O2EEM— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) March 7, 2023 “It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay FC has untimely lost one of the midfielder, Siphamandla ‘Spepe’ Mtolo. He collapsed this morning during training. The cub is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and ask that his family’s privacy is respected in this difficult time of bereavement,” a part of the statement read.After not featuring for the squad at the start of the season till the end of 2022, the 29 year old had returned to action and made nine appearances in all the nine games for the Kwazulu-Natal outfit since the start of the year.##NAJAVA_MECA_7079894##“His presence both on and off the pitch will solely be missed. Thoughts and prayers of everyone in Richards Bay are with his family, friends and loved ones,” the statement added.The PSL confirmed that a minute’s silence will be observed to honour the departed player.“PSL is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Richards Bay Football Club midfielder, Siphamandla Mtolo. A moment of silence will be observed in his honour at this week’s Nedbank Cup and DSTV Diski Challenge fixtures. May his soul repose peacefully,” they announced.Harambee Stars defender Clyde Senaji completes move to Malawian giantsOvella joined Richards Bay back in December 2022 as a free agent after parting ways with Township Rollers from Botswana.Mozzart Sport Kenya conveys its condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Siphamandla Mtolo .
