10 August 2021 – Prominent football administrator and businessman, Bongi Hlophe has passed away.
Announcing Hlophe’s death, SAFA KZN Province chairman, Kwenza Ngwenya said the Province and football family had lost a diligent servant of the game.
‘’He was involved in football until his death. He was also a prominent businessman and was the owner of the Maritzburg City that once campaigned in the National First Division,’’ said Ngwenya.
Hlophe was the stadium manager of Moses Mabhida Stadium during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was actively involved within his Umgungundlovu Region.
‘’He was very close to Erick Mtshatsha who was a long-time SAFA NEC member and Umgungundlovu President,’’ added Ngwenya.
‘’This has been a terrible period within the football fraternity. We recently lost former NEC member, Mr Anthony Reeves and footballer Mark Byrne and before tears have dried up, we have lost another giant in Hlophe. We are saddened by his passing away of Hlophe and may his soul rest in peace.’’