MBABANE – The football fraternity is in mourning again following the passing of Phumuza ‘El Khatib’ Ntshangase, a towering figure of Eswatini’s golden era.
His family confirmed yesterday that the former Mbabane Highlanders and Sihlangu star has succumbed to an undisclosed illness.
Ntshangase’s passing follows closely on the heels of another tragedy that has left the local game reeling:
The mysterious death of Manzini Wanderers Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule last Tuesday. As the football community prepares to lay Nkambule to rest this week, the departure of a respected legend like Ntshangase adds a further layer of grief to a devastated sporting landscape.
Known affectionately as ‘El Khatib,’ Ntshangase was a rare breed of athlete who balanced prowess on the pitch with dedication in the classroom.
A teacher by profession, he spent the bulk of his career at Swazi National High School in Lozitha, where he taught Technical Drawings.
His leadership extended far beyond the touchline, serving as the Eswatini Schools Sports Association President and Chairman of the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA), where he once served as deputy to the late Johannes ‘Ace’ Siboza.
Footballing excellence ran in the family; Phumuza was the brother of Ernest ‘Hurrah’ Ntshangase, who graced the books of Kwaluseni Rebels, Mbabane Swallows and Wits University.
Phumuza’s own journey saw him rise to stardom at Kwaluseni Rebels, followed by a short stint with Denver Sundowns before returning to the ‘Black Bull’. At the international level, Ntshangase was a pillar of the national side.
He famously featured in the historic clash at Somhlolo against ‘Totpool’, a select side featuring stars from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
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