Funeral arrangements for the three teenagers that died in a car accident between Gonubie and Beacon Bay are underway, while 14 other teammates are still recovering at Frere hospital.
The teenagers, who are members of Gonubie’s Rising Stars football club, were being ferried home to Mzamomhle township in a bakkie when the accident occurred.
They had played a friendly game at the Bunkers Hill Stadium.
The three who died, all aged 14, are Iviwe Msithweni, Kazimla Msipha, Bukho Dengwane, and driver Mbulelo Ngcuta, 51, who lost their lives on Saturday evening.
Health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said when the14 young patients arrived at Frere Hospital, several were in a critical condition.
Doctors were awaiting the CAT scan reports of six of the teenagers.
Manana said the six were a 15-year-old with a brain injury, another 15-year-old with a fractured leg, a 14-year-old with a fracture, a 16-year-old with a brain injury, a 15-year-old with polytrauma (multiple traumatic injuries), and a 14-year-old with a brain injury.
For families of the deceased, the wound is still fresh after the unexpected loss.
Nkosinathi Msipha, who spoke on behalf of the Msipha family, said they were having a difficult time processing the death of their child.
Kazimla was a grade 9 pupil at East London Science College and was part of the local soccer club.
“They would often leave home to go to their coach, who would take them to the match, and we were aware of it.
“We are in pain with the loss, it is as if we just heard about it and we are devastated,” he said.
Bukho was a grade 8 pupil at Bhongolethu senior secondary school in Kwelera, who was described as an individual whose future looked bright.
His mother, Noluthando Dengwane, who spoke on behalf of the family, said: “He was a very humble, respectful and obedient boy. He took pride in his academics and excelled. He loved playing sports.”
This was unexpectedly tragic, for no-one could have expected the accident
She said the boys were always ferried in the bakkie to and from matches.
“We were aware that they were being ferried in the bakkie when it came to attending matches. What hurts us is that we did not know that it would be the last time we would see him.”
Sisa Msithweni, the father of Iviwe, who was a grade 7 pupil at Gonubie primary, described him as a child who was passionate about sport.
“This was unexpectedly tragic, for no-one could have expected the accident.”
He said he was a disciplined child, and outside his academics, he would spend his time playing sports.
Driver Ngcuta was a father of five children and worked piece jobs to make ends meet. He lived with three of his children and his partner, Fundiswa Pawule.
“It is painful to lose him like this. I am only left alone to provide for my children, and I will struggle.” Pawule said.
She said that as a family, they were originally from Kwelerha and moved to the township for better opportunities.
On Sunday, sport MEC Sibulele Nongogo said the loss of such young and promising lives was a devastating blow to their families, teammates and the football community.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“As we continue to promote youth development through sport, we call on all stakeholders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our players on the field and especially during travel,” Ngongo said.
Safa’s Buffalo City Metro president, Mxolisi Prince Sibam, said the news of the young players’ death had left the association devastated.
“We will be following this up and investigate the circumstances that led to their demise.
“We will also be in touch with their families to console them and to make sure that their load is not unbearable,” Sibam said.
Daily Dispatch
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