‘Sikhali’ collapses, admitted in SA hospital

Green Mamba captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa is reportedly fighting for his health after collapsing moments before a pre-season match in Durban, South Africa, last week.

The veteran striker reportedly complained of severe headaches before Green Mamba’s warm-up ahead of a pre-season friendly. Although he completed the warm-up with his teammates, he suddenly collapsed just before kick-off and was rushed to hospital, where he has remained admitted since last Tuesday.

His collapse immediately sent shockwaves through the Green Mamba camp, with players and officials fearing the worst for one of the country’s most respected footballers.

While sources close to the player described his condition as critical in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Green Mamba have assured supporters that Ndzinisa was recovering well.

In a statement released by the CAF Confederation Cup-bound club on Monday, they confirmed that their captain remained under the close supervision of medical professionals.

“We are pleased to confirm that he is recovering well. He is in a stable condition and continues to make encouraging progress,” the club said.

The club also appealed to supporters and the public to respect the privacy of Ndzinisa, his family and the club while he continued to receive treatment.

Information gathered by this publication indicates that some of the striker’s close family members travelled to South Africa after learning of his collapse.

A source close to the player said the incident was serious and had left those close to him deeply concerned.

“The family rushed to South Africa to be with him during this difficult time. Everyone is praying that he recovers fully. After everything he has been through, many feel he should consider retiring from football once he gets better,” said the source.

The latest health scare comes years after Ndzinisa successfully underwent another major brain operation.

In July 2018, the former Mbabane Swallows striker underwent a four-hour cranioplasty procedure at Manzini Clinic following an earlier medical complication. After the operation, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before being transferred to the general ward when his condition improved.

For many football followers, the latest incident has brought back painful memories of the horrific head injury that almost claimed both his career and his life.

In 2017, Ndzinisa suffered a serious head injury while playing for Mbabane Swallows in a match against Mbabane Highlanders at Somhlolo National Stadium. The injury required emergency brain surgery, with doctors battling to save his life.

During that difficult period, the late Mbabane Swallows boss Victor Gamedze reportedly paid the striker’s medical expenses, allowing him to receive specialist treatment that eventually helped him return to football.

Against all odds, Ndzinisa made a remarkable comeback and rebuilt his career, becoming one of Eswatini’s most prolific strikers before later captaining Green Mamba.

His latest collapse has once again united the country’s football fraternity, with supporters, former teammates and clubs sending messages of hope and praying that the fighter who once overcame the biggest challenge of his career will triumph once again.