South Africans are going to their beds tonight in a heartbroken state after loosing prominent Orlando Pirates supporter Mandla Sindane, popularly known as Mgijimi.
Sindane was found dead on Tuesday morning at his home in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga after complaining of an undisclosed ailment the previous night.
He is remebered for following Orlando Pirates around South Africa and in January 2019 he was in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for their Caf Champions League group match against FC Platinum which ended 0-0.
The loyal fan’s brother, Bonginkosi confirmed the death news to Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.
When the family went to check on him on Tuesday morning, they knocked on his door but received no response, before they forced entry into his house where they found him dead.
Orlando Pirates eMalahleni branch secretary‚ Puleng Semela‚ also confirmed Sindane’s death.
“I can confirm that he has passed on‚” said Semela as per Sowetan Live.
“According to his father they found him in his place where he was staying at around 11 am. He had left the family [the day before] and he went to go and sleep where he was staying in eMalahleni.”
Mzansi expressed their shock at the heartbreaking news and many still find it unbelievable. Tributes flood social media.
He loved his football so much…He dearly loved his @orlandopirates with all his heart and would travel countrywide to watch his beloved team!!
It won't be the same skhokho!! It wont!!
Hamba kahle "MGIJIMI!!"
RIP Mandla Sindane🙏🏾💔#RIPMgijimi pic.twitter.com/91r5eumzJ1— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 28, 2020
☠ Once. Always.
The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of one of its staunchest and most active supporters Mandla Sindane. Rest In Peace, Mgijimi 🏴☠️#RIPmgijimi
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/bDM9a1FOLV— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 28, 2020
I'm not a Buccaneer however I'm saddened by the passing of Mgijimi💔In January this year we buried my granny, Khosi, who was a huge Orlando Pirates fan. Mgijimi was there to pay his respects, the way he brought smiles in the midst of a funeral said a lot about him🕊🙏 #RIPmgijimi pic.twitter.com/2LEKkfH7ck
— Nhlakes (@nhlanhlazimu97) July 28, 2020
Football without fans is nothing. Rest easy buccaneer. #RIPmgijimi pic.twitter.com/OQdOwGtyNQ
— Kaizer Chiefs Supporters (@KCfanTv) July 28, 2020
