LUYENGO – A thick cloud of grief hung over Ncabaneni yesterday as the football fraternity gathered for the burial of Manzini Wanderers’ Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule.
Just a few minutes before midday, the former Wanderers captain was laid to rest. Nkambule passed away last week, on Tuesday, reportedly following respiratory challenges. His final resting place is beside his mother, who predeceased him in 2017.
It was a sombre and painful moment as the coffin descended. Family, friends and close relatives were overcome with emotion; many were unable to hold back tears as grief marked their faces. The ‘Weslians’ players stood together, a group of shattered men gazing into the void of the grave.
Fans from across the domestic league briefly set aside rivalries to break into sombre song, though some found their voices failing as the finality of the moment took hold. Among the mourners were football legends and former teammates who had shared the pitch with the talented left-footed midfielder.
Over 500 mourners gathered at the graveside by noon, following a vigil that began on Friday. His family, led by his wife, Ncamisile Kunene, and his three surviving children, performed the final rites by pouring the first handfuls of soil. His brother, Sibusiso, followed before the rest of the mourners joined, with the Wanderers men’s senior team leading the way.
Meanwhile, the ‘Weslians’ Director of Operations, Jerry ‘Mbazo’ Gamedze, admitted the players were heartbroken but expressed hope they would recover quickly to focus on their mandate of avoiding relegation. He lamented the loss of ‘Mlaba’, noting that his death came cruelly during the peak of his career when the team relied heavily on his passion and performance. ‘Mbazo’ added that the club had also hoped he would join the team’s administration in the future.
The coffin of former Manzini Wanderers Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule being carried to its final resting place at Ncabaneni yesterday. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)