Staff Reporter.
The late AmaZulu football player Bonginkosi Ntuli was on Thursday laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal.
Family and friends gathered at the Methodist Church in Cliffdale.
Ntuli died at a Pietermaritzburg hospital last Sunday.
Ntuli’s father, said his son’s love for football started at the age of 9. He also offered words of comfort for Ntuli’s teammates.
“I am here to strengthen the supporters and the players of AmaZulu. Be strong, be strong. We have lost a warrior, a lion. I am here to say to my son, that you have made me proud, you have worked hard for us – your family. Bonginkosi you have been a blessing. May you rest in peace.”
In a moving tribute, AmaZulu defender, Ramahlwe Mphahlele has described Ntuli as a unifier in the team. Mphahlele said Ntuli did not want them to know that he was suffering.
“We are in the semi-finals of the Carling Black Label, just two games away from winning. And when we do win it, I’m not saying if, coz we’re gonna win it for uBongi, gents let’s take it to Cato Ridge to uBongi. One thing about uBongi, didn’t want us to know that he was suffering. He came to our games as if everything was okay but we knew that he’s suffering. He never wanted us to know. Rest in peace, my brother!”
Ntuli’s friends have described him as a kind and jovial man who had big dreams. Speaking on behalf of his friends Ayanda Jali said; “Bongi was like a brother to me.
You would swear that we were siblings. I was always with Bongi wherever he went. I see people’s messages trying to console me. This will take a long time to accept. I don’t know how I will survive without this man.
Ntuli, who also played for Arrows, Platinum Stars and Sundowns, scored 75 goals in 281 appearances in his career.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.