Minnie Dlamini mourns death of Chiefs legend Siphiwe Mkhonza

Minenhle “Minnie” Dlamini, an actress and television producer, has joined a number of South Africans and football enthusiasts in honoring former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza.

Mkhonza, also referred to as “Dr. Mnandi,” died on Tuesday, March 5, following a protracted illness caused by a kidney infection.

At the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Minnie and Mkhonza collaborated on the popular program Soccerzone for the free-to-air network. The actress from Honeymoon said she would miss the football expert for a variety of reasons, including his ardor for the sport.

“Woke up to the devastating news that my brother/former colleague @siphiwemkhonza4 has passed 💔 We worked together for 4years at @sabcsport on #Soccerzone your laughter, love and passion for the game will be sorely missed. Thank you for your contribution to the game we love as a player and in our hearts and one of the country’s most loved analysts ❤️ Rest in Power mnganam [my friend].

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At the age of 18, Mkhonza played his debut season as a professional football player with the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtics in 1991, wearing the captain’s armband. In addition, he was a player for the Bloemfontein Celtics, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, AmaZulu, Ria Stars, Lamontville Golden Arrows, and Kaizer Chiefs. He also received seven caps for Bafana Bafana, the national soccer team of South Africa.

Mkhonza left the beautiful game to work as a coach and analyst for soccer. The former center back worked as a soccer analyst for SoccerZone from 2013 until 2021. In 2013, he also worked for Laduma. In 2022, he became a presenter for SoccerZone.

The family released a statement on Tuesday stating: “The family of the former Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows FC defender can confirm that Siphiwe Mkhonza has sadly passed on in the early hours of this morning at home.”

“Mkhonza, affectionately known as ‘Dr Mnandi’, has been battling kidney infections for a long time.

“He was admitted to Charlotte Maxeke [Johannesburg Academic Hospital] a month ago and was discharged after showing signs of recovery.

“Mkhonza has been taken care of by his girlfriend and the mother of his three children, Ms Nondumiso Masengemi, at their home in Roodepoort.

“The family wishes to thank his former employer and his colleagues at SABC, fellow football legends from the stable he belonged to, and friends for their support during his illness.

“Mkhonza is survived by his children, his father, Joseph ‘Skheshe Kheshe’ Mkhonza, his mom, Phindile Mkhonza, and his brother. The family will communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements.”

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