Siphiwe Mkhonza: Former Football Star and SABC Analyst Dies Aged 45

Siphiwe Mkhonza: Former Football Star and SABC Analyst Dies Aged 45 – Siphiwe Mkhonza, the former football star and SABC analyst, passed away on March 5, 2024, at the age of 45.

Born in Kwa-Thema, Springs, Gauteng, to his parents Mavis Motsile and Joseph Mkhonza on January 2, 1979, Mphonza played primarily as a center-back.

He played club football for Bloemfontein Celtic, Ria Stars, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, AmaZulu and Black Leopards and won seven caps for the South Africa national team.

Mkhonza played for several clubs as a youth starting his playing days at Skheshes Babes, and then going on to play for Tip Top FC, Lusitano FC, Munich FC and Katlehong City.

Mkhonza started playing football professionally for Bloemfontein Celtic, in 1999, where he remained until 2001. In his rookie season, at the age of eighteen, he would also serve as team captain.

After being promoted to the Ria Stars of Pietersburg the previous season, Mkhonza joined them and showed that his leadership abilities were appreciated by captaining the team throughout the 2001–2002 season and making 30 appearances.

Following a lackluster season with new boys, Ria Stars, Mkhonza moved to Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban, where he was eager to establish his worth.

Mkhonza moved to Soweto heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs in 2004 for what was likely his most successful club tenure, lasting from 2004 to 2007. He would become legendary in his debut season by taking home the Premier Soccer League championship in the 2004–05 season.

He received his first call-up to the South Africa national team after joining the Glamour Boys.

With the goal of turning around Maritzburg United, Mkhonza relocated there. In addition, he led the Team of Choice and prevented their relegation. Mkhonza would only play for the Pietermaritzburg team for a single season before leaving.

After deciding to remain in KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhonza had a successful time at AmaZulu.

He would lead the Durban-based team to a Nedbank Cup final, where they would lose 3-0 to Bidvest Wits, but he would also help the team make it into the top 8 for the first time.