Thu May 24 02:11:48 SAST 2012
Thu May 24 02:11:48 SAST 2012

Knife ends Ntuka's dream

Jan 23, 2012 | Ramatsiyi Moholoa | 40 comments

FORMER South African Football Association president Molefi Oliphant has described the death of former Bafana Bafana defender Jeffrey Ntuka as a big loss to the beautiful game.

LOSS: Jeffrey Ntuka

 He was a bright young man who had a dream to become a top soccer superstar 

"I have known Jeffrey since he was a youngster at the Transnet Football School of Excellence," said Oliphant.

"When I heard about his death on Saturday morning, I said what a waste of talent," said Oliphant, who is currently in Equatorial Guinea for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Safa head of academies Steve Pila was equally devastated by Ntuka's death.

"Jeffrey came to the School of Excellence when I was still in charge. He was a bright young man who had a dream to become a top soccer superstar.

"It's unfortunate that it only took a knife to bring that dream to an end."

Ntuka was signed by English Premiership side Chelsea in 2002 along with Masilo Modubi and BoyBoy Mosia. They were loaned out to Belgian side Westerlo.

The Gauteng provincial government has also sent its condolences to the Ntuka family.

Free State Stars coach Steve Komphela, who recommended Ntuka to Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter in 2004, said: "I tried to be of support to Jeffrey. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt here and as a society we need to come in and help our soccer players. "Condolences to the family."

Funeral arrangements have not been finalised. Police were yesterday expected to make an arrest in this case.

Comments

Thu May 24 02:11:48 SAST 2012 ::
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Jan 23, 2012

Dinamanama

Rest in peace bro
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Jan 23, 2012

Stimela

shame ill discipline put him to death, young players should learn from this, Ntuka could have been one of the best defenders for Bafana Bafana, same like OJ Mabizela.
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Jan 23, 2012

Mpotjekegobotje

Ga di lebogwe ka nnete!
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Jan 23, 2012

Kgaoza606

Great loss of another talent, R.I.P young man.
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Jan 23, 2012

Hauzen

Young upcoming soccer player must learn from this incident.
Condolences to Ntuka's family.
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Jan 23, 2012

Letanta

It took a different angle, I thought alcohol was the one whom that will end his life.
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Jan 23, 2012

imthegreatest

he kiled his soccer career long before the knife finish his drunken structure.
Steve Pila, what were you guys teaching this boys at that school? they have talent but sims like they are all struggling mentaly including the so called bafana bafana captain steve Pinaar.
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Jan 23, 2012

Mapholobakay1

Only God can judge Ntuka. ill-discipline or not nobody deserves to die. May his soul rest in peace.
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Jan 23, 2012

munhu

Thought this guy was still playing for Supersport. Why the silence from them? Anyway, another act of barbarism from S. Africans. Human life has long ceased to be sacrosanct. Ntuka has gone to rest, the killer will start hard time in prison soon.
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Jan 23, 2012

GERMAN-CUT

As a Khosi fan,i am also saddened by your death,you were still young and i believe you still had a lot to offer to the beautiful game. It's hard to imagine the feeling of someone dying from being stabbed,you died a painful death.

May your soul rest in peace.May God be with your family,to comfort and guide them in this hard times.
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