PLAYER COMMITS SUICIDE

MBABANE – A 24-year-old CPL FC player, campaigning in the Lubombo Super League, was discovered by his mother hanging from the rafters of his house. The spine-chilling incident happened at Sinyamantulwa, under the Ncandweni community in the Lubombo region yesterday morning. The Super League is the country’s football third-tier that produces National First Division representatives for each region.

Vukani Nkonyane, the late midfielder, took his own life after posting on his Facebook wall, naming a woman he claimed was the reason for his tragic decision. In his farewell message, he expressed goodbye to his team, fellow players and family, indicating that he felt compelled to end his life due to circumstances involving this woman. According to his cousin, Mpendulo Nhleko, Vukani’s mother raised the alarm upon finding her son’s body at around 7am.

Nhleko recounted that she had gone to Nkonyane’s house after hearing a loud sound from a radio. After knocking and receiving no response, they broke a window to gain entry, only to find him hanging from the rafter. Nhleko noted that Nkonyane left a brief suicide note, which has been taken by the police. “In the letter, he only mentioned that he has no choice but to take his life,” he said.

Girlfriend

When asked about any relationship problems his cousin may have had, Nhleko expressed his suspicion that Nkonyane was experiencing difficulties with his girlfriend, whom he had mentioned in his social media post. CPL FC Director Zakhele Dlamini expressed his shock upon receiving the heartbreaking news, highlighting Nkonyane’s instrumental role in winning matches for the team.

Dlamini revealed that the late player was included in the team list for a match against Kubuta Celtic scheduled for 3:30pm at Tambuti Stadium, this past Sunday. The director conveyed their efforts to engage the league management, requesting a postponement of the game due to the players being traumatised and not in a suitable mental state. However, the league management did not agree to their request, insisting that the team continue to honour their fixture.

Shocked

“I am still shocked to lose a young player who has a future in the game of football. The whole team, from the technical bench to the players, is still reeling from this tragic news,” he stated. The team continued with their fixture as scheduled and went on record a win. “Even though the atmosphere was not conducive for them to play, my boys proved to be disciplined and won the match.

On behalf of the team, let me send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends for the untimely demise of a young player who had a bright future in the game,” remarked Dlamini. Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Bonginhlanhla Gama also conveyed his astonishment, noting that his office has been made aware of the situation. Gama indicated that his office is yet to release an official statement regarding the passing of the player.

Death

He mentioned that the team had informed the office that they too had learnt the news of the player’s death on the day of their match. “It is unfortunate that the team lost a young talented player who was a pillar in their matches. As an office, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, team and friends, and may they find comfort during this sad moment,” stated the COO. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati announced that the police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 24-year-old man.

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