The young scrum-half was pronounced dead at hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties during the match in South Africa
15-year-old Nhlakanipho Buthelezi died after collapsing during a match in South Africa(Image: Free State Education Department)
A 15-year-old schoolboy rugby player has died in South Africa after collapsing during a match.
Nhlakanipho Buthelezi collapsed while playing an under-15s match between HTS and Sasolburg High School on Friday. According to reports in South Africa, Buthelezi was a Grade 9 learner at HTS Sasolburg.
According to the Free State Department of Education, Buthelezi experienced breathing difficulties during Friday’s match at DP de Villiers Stadium.
The scrum-half was attended to by medical personnel at the stadium, before he was rushed to Sasolburg Hospital.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Free State Department of Education said it was shocked by the tragedy.
“We are deeply shocked by the tragic loss of Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, a young life cut short,” said Free State education MEC Dr Mantlhake Maboya.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the HTS Sasolburg community. We extend our condolences and support during this difficult time.
“We will support the school and family in any way possible and appreciate the swift response of medical personnel.
“Nhlakanipho’s passing reminds us of the fragility of life. We stand with his loved ones and the school community in mourning this loss.”
HTS Sasolburg confirmed Buthelezi’s death in a post on the school’s Facebook page, extending condolences to his parents, family, friends and the wider school community.
Buthelezi’s rugby coach, Thorne Swart, also paid tribute to the young player while sharing a highlights reel of him in action.
“You were not the biggest, but we lost a giant of our game. We lost a brother,” wrote Swart.
He described Buthelezi as a determined learner who pushed himself in both academics and sport.
He added that the team would honour his memory during the remainder of the season.
Friday’s match was part of the long-running schoolboy rugby FNB Classic between HTS Sasolburg and Sasolburg High School – a fixture that has been taking place for 47 years.