The Vhembe soccer community is in mourning, following the untimely death of three young players in a horrific car accident at the T-Junction on the N1 to Elim on Sunday, 28 August.
The players were on their way back from a soccer tournament at Botlokwa when their car collided head-on with another vehicle.
Tshimangadzo Rasweswe (23) of Elim United, Vongani Chuma (22) of Koki FC and Mbuyelo Ramaru (23), who played for Vleifontein United, died in the crash. A fourth player is still in hospital. Elim United and Koki FC compete in the Safa Vhembe MMK Administrator's league, while Vleifontein United compete in the Makhado LFA league.
In a message to the players' families and friends, Safa Vhembe's president, Mr Jabulani Ndove, said that the death of the three players was painful for relatives and friends, as well as the Safa Vhembe football fraternity. "To the boy who is still battling his injuries in hospital, our prayers go out to him to get well soon," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed that a case of culpable homicide had been opened, following the incident. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
The chairperson of Koki FC, Mr Koki Maluleke, spoke on behalf of the teams, saying that the teams and families of the victims were devastated by the accident. "We lost very promising soccer players," he said.
The three players will be buried on Saturday, 3 September, at Shirley, Elim and Vleifontein respectively.