Scary Stats Of SA PSL Stars To Lose Lives In Road Carnage (Some Escaped By A Whisker)
Its the festive season once again, a season to be merry and enjoy life to the fullest with family and friends but the need to enjoy responsibly cannot be overstated especially among PSL stars who hog the limelight wherever they will be especially with their flashy cars and expensive drives which make them the centre of attention.
Fatal car accidents have taken the lives of some of the brightest and promising footballers in South Africa over the years only living fans with nostalgic memory of what could have been.
Its always sad to lose promising career and breadwinners and sincere and deeper regret goes out to all those stars to captivate us with their talent week in week out yet have sadly succumbed in the fast lane of glitz and glamour.
We therefore focus on PSL stars who have lost their lives on the road with the hope that we all take extra precaution as we enter the mood of cheer and the new year together as family and friends and live happily seeing our loved ones.
1.Gift Leremi-September 2007
The former Sundowns FC midfielder lost his life in a car accident after losing control of his vehicle in Brackensdowns near Alberton, South East of Johannesburg on 3 September 2007.
Leremi was on his way home from a CAF Confederation Cup game against Cameroon when the tragic accident happened. He was only 22-years-old.
2.Lesley Manyathela-August 2003
Lesley ‘Slow Poison’ Manyathela tragically died on his way home after his car overturned on the N1 Highway near Musina, in Limpopo following a match against Jomo Cosmos on 9 August 2003.
The Former Orlando Pirates striker bagged 48 goals in 73 appearances for the Buccaneers and sadly died at the age of 22.
3.Mondli Cele-January 2016
The former Maritzburg United midfielder died in hospital after he reportedly lost control of his vehicle during heavy rains in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal on 17 January 2016.
Cele was only 27 when he died and the football fraternity was gravely shocked in the wake of the news.
4.Cecil Lolo-October 2015
The former Ajax Cape Town defender was killed in a fatal head-on collision at Spine Road, near the N2 Highway in Khayelitsha [Cape Town] on 25 October 2015.
He was 28-years-old and undoubtedly still had a lot to offer South African football.
5.Richard Henyekane – April 2015
The former Bafana Bafana and Free State Stars striker died in a car accident when colliding with a truck over the Easter holidays.
6.Mlondi Dlamini – October 2017
The 20-year-old midfielder died in the early hours of the morning with the driver, a Royal Eagles midfielder, facing a charge of culpable homicide after losing control of the vehicle.
7.Thembinkosi Mbamba – May 2019
Mbamba is the latest player to lose his life in a car accident shortly after his side TS Galaxy were crowned Nedbank Cup champions.
Sinethemba Jantjie – April 2019
Jantjie lost his life in a car accident and was set to join Gavin Hunt’s Bidvest Wits after signing a pre-contract agreement ahead of the 2019/20 season.
PSL Stars Lucky To Escape Road Carnage Alive
1.Thabiso Semenya – March 2016
The then-Platinum Stars defender survived, but lost his wife when they were involved in a car accident while travelling to watch his side against Kaizer Chiefs.
2.Nazier Jacobs – March 2016
Jacobs cheated death when he survived a horrible car accident, but spent 18 months on the sidelines recovering from his injuries.
3.Ndumiso Mabena – May 2016
Ndumiso Mabena and Mbongeni Mzimela emerged unscathed from an accident together with goalkeeper coach Stephan Ekakala who was rushed to hospital, with both cars written off.
4.Edwin Gyimah – December 2016
The then-Orlando Pirates defender was involved in a serious car accident in the early hours of the morning in Nigeria, but escaped any serious injuries.
5.Mogau Tshehla – February 2018
Tshehla, who was the brother of Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau died in a car accident at the age of 26.
6.Siphelele Magubane – April 2018
The Golden Arrows winger was lucky to escape with his life after crashing his car on the way to training but walked away unscathed from the accident.
7.Lebogang Manyama – October 2018
The Kaizer Chiefs play-maker survived a horror crash after leaving the club’s Naturena training complex suffering minor injuries to his knee and elbow.
8.Wiseman Meyiwa – November 2018
The 19-year-old midfielder was forced to retire due to injuries from a car accident that left the player in a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury.
9.Mxolisi Macuphu – March 2019
The SuperSport United striker emerged largely unscathed from a car accident which wrote off his vehicle.
Drive safe this festive season and continue to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Please do not drink and drive.
By Gerald Dandah
