Bonginkosi Ntuli: AmaZulu captain passes away two months after marrying club's CEO

AmaZulu FC forward, Bonginkosi Ntuli has tragically lost his battle with cancer.

The 32-year-old, who was also captain of the club, passed away at the Midlands Medical Centre in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday afternoon.

The striker was rushed to the private hospital just before a game against Polokwane City around a month ago, where he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

AmaZulu released a formal statement over the weekend to confirm the news of Nkosi's passing:

"It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved centre-forward and loyal servant, Bonginkosi Ntuli."

The club shared some of the details regarding Ntuli's diagnosis and where he had been receiving treatment at the time of his passing.

"May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. The club requests privacy and patience be granted [to] his family and friends at this difficult time," the statement concluded.

Before the start of the new season, Ntuli married AmaZulu's Chief Executive Officer, Sinenjabulo Zungu in a lavish ceremony in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Tributes pour in for Ntuli

@TheRealPitso commented: "Our heartfelt deepest condolences to the Family of Bongi Ntuli and ⁦⁦Ama Zulu FC⁩. Rest in peace my boy. This is very sad and difficult to believe."

@Lorenz_KO wrote: "Bongi Ntuli has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 32. Condolences to family, friends and AmaZulu - a true warrior and servant of the game - gone too soon. RIP"

@ManziniZungu_ was heartbroken: "God we just cannot understand…it is beyond our understanding Kwangathi uMoya ka Bongi Ntuli ungalala ngokuthula Pain is too much to bear such a young life It’s painful KwaZungu & KwaNtuli AmaZulu FC"

@ThisIsColbert tweeted: "Bongi Ntuli recently married the club's CEO, Sinenjabulo Zungu. The couple completed an eventful white wedding Today, AmaZulu confirmed his untimely passing following a brief battle with cancer Rest in Peace Bongi Embarrassing Julius Malema Bonang Sandton City Bavuma"

@HoseaRamphekwa added: "Bongi Ntuli was nicknamed Costa. I used to fumble by calling him “Castro” and the Platinum Stars players would laugh at me. Forever smiling. He was top human being and a top player. May the Lord comfort all affected."