PICS: Siphiwe Mkhonza laid to rest

EX-Kaizer Chiefs star Siphiwe Mkhonza received a befitting send off on Sunday, 10 March.

The football fraternity, soccer fans and community members came out in large numbers to bid farewell to Siphiwe, who was known as Dr Mnandi for his brilliant soccer analysis on a SABC sports show.

Siphiwe's funeral service was held at Kwa-Thema Hall in Ekurhuleni, and he was buried at Petersfield Cemetery.

Rasta The Artist painted a portrait of the late soccer star Siphiwe Mkhonza. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

The family of the late soccer star, Siphiwe Mkhonza during his funeral service. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Siphiwe Mkhonza's dad Joseph Mkhonza and a family member. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Siphiwe died on Tuesday, 5 March after suffering from a kidney infection. He was 45 years old. He leaved behind his parents, brother, children and his partner, Nondumiso Masengeni.

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Former Kaizer Chiefs player Doctor Khumalo said he shared a room with Siphiwe when Bafana Bafana played against Iran.

"I found him in the room and ordered to pack his bag and go to reception and come back to knock again. He came back and I allowed him to share a room. He was such a humble person. He loved football and he was good at it," he said.

Ex-football star Lebohang Kukame talking on behalf of other soccer stars. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players at the funeral service of Siphiwe Mkhonza. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Job Mchunu, Safa Ekurhuleni president shares his last words to the late football star Siphiwe Mkhonza. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Khumalo said Siphiwe and Patrick Mabedi used to be pastors at camp during their playing days at Chiefs. "They used to keep the team together. He brought us all together. We will always remember him," he said.

Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung sent a message to the Mkhonza family, which was read by Amakhosi spokesman Vina Phosa.

"I'm saddened by his death. We've been with the Mkhonza family for good years. Siphiwe made a major contribution to our team. He was well loved by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him," he said.

Football star Lebohang Kukame said he lost a good friend.

He said: 

Job Mchunu, Safa Ekurhuleni president, said they've lost a good person. He said Siphiwe was an amazing person and he made sure everyone around him was successful.

"We played football in our small soccer fields. We thank legends who contributed to our talents," he said.

Former Chiefs player Arthur Zwane said Siphiwe was always a happy soul, adding that he was happy by nature and was spiritually gifted.

Former Kaizer Chiefs stars honouring the late football star Siphiwe Mkhonza. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Kaizer Chiefs supporters at KwaThema Community Hall, Ekurhuleni. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Football star Siphiwe Mkhonza was laid to rest at Petersfield Cemetery. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

"He was guided by principles. He was a strong man, and he knew how powerful he was," he said.

Siphiwe's cousin Mduduzi said they are saddened by his death. 

"Siphiwe loved playing soccer from a young age. He was called Maradona and if someone made him angry while they were playing in the streets of Katlehong, he'd take the ball and leave and they had to beg him to come back," he said.