The rugby fraternity is mourning the death of Border Bulldogs prop and former captain Luxolo Koza who died on Friday after being struck by a vehicle after changing a punctured tyre in Makhanda.
It is believed the 30-year-old, who joined the Bulldogs at the start of 2025, was travelling to his home in Tsitsikamma, about 115km from Gqeberha, for a traditional ceremony when the tragedy occurred.
This is according to Border Rugby Union general manager Mpumelele Tshume, who visited Koza’s family at the weekend.
“What we were told is that when he opened the door of the car after fixing the tyre, a passing Avanza struck him … he died on the spot.”
Bulldogs head coach Dumisani Mhani said they were shocked by the news.
The Bulldogs were in Welkom for their Currie Cup First Division and last game of 2025 against the Griffons when the tragic incident occurred.
Mhani said Koza did not travel to Welkom because he was still recovering from a concussion he suffered at the beginning of the competition.
He described Koza’s death as a huge leadership loss to his team.
“We valued his leadership skills, hence we trusted him to captain the team. He was someone the team listened to and admired.
“Even when coaching staff were running late for training, you would find him already in training in a huddle with the boys and prepping them for that session.
“Those kinds of values are things that sometimes you don’t find in many captains. He always led from the front,” Mhani said.
A former Muir College pupil, Koza’s rugby CV was loaded with pedigree and class.
He played for a number of years in the French Federal 1 league for Avenir Valance, Saint Denis Rugby and the Beauvals Rugby Club.
Before those stints in France, he played for the Malaysian Valke playing rapid rugby against the likes of top Australian team the Western Force.
In SA, he won the Vodacom Cup with the Griquas and played for unions such as the SWD, Pumas and EP where his rugby career took off after representing them in U18 Craven Week for two consecutive years in 2011 and 2012, U19 and Currie Cup.
Koza leaves behind a two-year-old boy.
Daily Dispatch
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