He was struck by lightning during a friendly match
Footballer Luyande Ntshangase has passed away two months after being struck by lightning during a friendly match in South Africa. A statement was issued by his club, Maritzburg United, who described him as a player with "enormous potential."
Lightning struck the 21-year-old and two of his teammates, who suffered minor injuries, but Ntshangase was put into an induced coma, having suffered burns to his chest.
The club confirmed his passing via a statement on social media.
https://twitter.com/MaritzburgUtd/status/992387057887608832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.independent.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Flightning-dies-south-africa-footballer-luyande-ntshangase-maritzburg-united-a8337781.html&tfw_site=independent
"We are extremely sad about the loss of Luyanda, an exciting young player with enormous potential,” club chairman Farook Kadodia said.
“He had been nurtured by the club and brought through our ranks, having being given his debut against Kaizer Chiefs two seasons ago by former head coach Ernst Middendorp.”
He added: “On behalf of Maritzburg United Football club, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ntshangase family in their time of bereavement - our prayers and thoughts are with you.”
Maritzburg United have suffered their fair share of trauma in the past few years, having lost Mondli Cele, 27, and Mlondi Dlamini, 20, in separate car accidents in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
The South African club are currently fourth in their domestic league and will compete in the cup final on cup 19th, when they will play Free State Stars.
