Biography: Bonginkosi Ntuli was a South African professional soccer player who played as a striker for AmaZulu in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). He was one of the most prolific and consistent goal scorers in the country, hitting 60 goals in 175 matches. Bonginkosi was also a former player of Golden Arrows, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars and Djurgårdens IF. He died of cancer at the age of 32 in November 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and passion for the game.
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Early Life and Football Career
Bonginkosi Ntuli was born on 28 March 1991 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He started playing soccer at a young age and joined the Vodacom League team Sobantu Shooting Stars in 2009. Bongi impressed with his skills and goalscoring abilities and was soon scouted by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Golden Arrows. He joined their reserve team in 2011 and made his debut for the senior team in January 2012.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Loan Spells
In 2014, Ntuli signed for the PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns, but he struggled to break into the first team and only made one appearance for them. The club loaned him out to various clubs in the next five years, including AmaZulu, Platinum Stars and Djurgårdens IF in Sweden. He scored a total of 25 goals in 90 matches during his loan spells, showing his quality and potential as a striker.
Bonginkosi Ntuli At AmaZulu
Bonginkosi Ntuli Biography [Image: AmaZulu]
In 2018, Ntuli joined AmaZulu on a permanent basis after being part of a swap deal with Emiliano Tade. He became a key player and a fan favourite for the Durban club, scoring 35 goals in 85 matches. He was also the club’s top scorer in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Bongi was famous among football fans for his powerful shots, aerial ability and clinical finishing.
Bonginkosi Ntuli Death
Ntuli was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in October 2023, which metastasized and ultimately led to his death. He passed away on 5 November 2023 at the Midlands Medical Centre Private Hospital in Pietermaritzburg at the age of 32. His last soccer game was on 17 September 2023, when he scored a brace against Maritzburg United.
His death came two months after marrying AmaZulu chief executive officer Sinenjabulo Zungu.
Bonginkosi Ntuli Biography [Image: X]
His death shocked and saddened the South African football fraternity and the nation at large. Many celebrities, former teammates, coaches and fans paid tribute to him and expressed their condolences to his family and friends. Fans and fellow players remembered him as a humble, hardworking and talented player who always gave his best on the pitch.
