Times Of Swaziland: BIRDS’ ‘MGONODI’ DIES

BIRDS’ ‘MGONODI’ DIES
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Mengameli Mabuza on 15/04/2024 08:28:00


MBABANE – Tragedy.
This best describes the untimely death of Mbabane Swallows Ladies player Banele
Bhembe, affectionately known as ‘Mgonodi. She passed away on Saturday after
reportedly being ill for some time. The 36-year-old veteran striker, who was
nicknamed after the Mbabane giants former player Mgonodi Sidell, served
Buffaloes for 10 years before registering with Swallows during the second
transfer window period last season. A source close to the family shared the
devastating news that the Umkhonto KaShaka attacking player passed away this
weekend after being in and out of hospitals for some time. “Mgonodi’s
passing has greatly saddened us. She had been struggling with her health for
some time,” the source said. The sad news of the striker’s passing was
confirmed by Mbabane Swallows Ladies’ current Head Coach, Aaron ‘Katalala’
Mavimbela, who had signed the player from Young Buffaloes. Mavimbela expressed
his condolences and acknowledged the significant loss to the team, given
Bhembe’s talent and dedication to the sport.
“We are still grappling with the shocking news of Banele Bhembe’s untimely
passing. It was only during the first round that she shared her health concerns
and asked for some time away from the team to recuperate. She had promised to
return and support her teammates as soon as she felt better. The entire team are
devastated by this sudden loss, and it’s hard to believe she is no longer with
us,” he said.
experiences
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt reflection, Swallows player Lungile Dlamini, on loan
from Young Buffaloes Ladies, fondly recounted her experiences playing with
‘Mgonodi’. She praised ‘Mgonodi’s unique balance of playfulness and
discipline, which made her an unforgettable teammate and a joy to play with. The
passing of Mgonodi marks the second loss within a month for the women’s soccer
community. Last month, former Manzini Wanderers Ladies player Nokwanda Tsabedze
(née Kunene), affectionately known as ‘Kwanda,’ tragically passed away due
to complications during childbirth. Eswatini Women’s Football Association
(EWFA) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Ntandoyenkosi Hlatjwayo expressed deep
sorrow upon hearing the tragic news.