Football player dies on field
A 26-year-old man died after taking a blow to the head, during a football game, in Actonville, on Sunday.
The incident occurred on a soccer field behind William Hills Secondary School.
Kevin Malinga, the goalkeeper of Lin Coco Football Club, was kicked in the head shortly before 3.30pm, in a match against Benoni Celtic Football Club.
The opposing team’s striker apparently tried to kick the ball and struck Malinga in the head with his boot.
The chairman of the Benoni South Local Football Association, Fani Msimango, said on Monday that paramedics responded to the emergency call 15 minutes after the player went down.
The player was declared dead on scene when paramedics arrived.
Msimango felt the death could have been avoided had there been first aid officials at the game.
He said there are talks to have first aiders at future games.
Capt Mack Mngomezulu of the Actonville SAPS said an inquest docket has been opened.
No one has been arrested.
This is very tragic as I also believe his death could have been prevented if paramedics was present at the match. What blows my mind is why did the game even start without paramedics present??! My husband is a rugby referee and no rugby match will start if paramedics are not present next to the field! A/p Boksmart rules & regulations this is to ensure all player’s safety comes first!! Come on soccer officials surely this should be implemented asap!!