Former Kaizer Chiefs Midfielder Michael Nkambule Dies Aged 37 After Car Accident
- Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule, 37, passed away on Friday following a serious car accident two weeks prior
- Nkambule had undergone surgery for spinal cord injuries at Johannesburg General Hospital before being transferred back to Far East Rand Hospital
- Family friend and spokesperson Siyabonga Moloi confirmed the news, revealing the two co-owned a football club in Etwatwa together
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Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule has died at the age of 37 after sustaining critical injuries in a car accident approximately two weeks before his passing on Friday, 7 August 2026.
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Family friend and spokesperson Siyabonga Moloi confirmed the news to Soccer Laduma, describing how the vehicle Nkambule was driving had overturned, with no passengers present at the time of the crash.
"Michael was involved in a car accident about two weeks ago. The vehicle he was driving overturned and he was alone at the time," Moloi said.
Nkambule's final days in hospital
Nkambule was first taken to Far East Rand Hospital before doctors transferred him to Johannesburg General Hospital, where he underwent surgery for spinal cord injuries. The procedure was deemed successful, and he was later moved back to Far East Rand Hospital. He did not survive.
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"He was initially rushed to Far East Rand Hospital before being transferred to Johannesburg Gen Hospital, where he underwent surgery for spinal cord injuries. The operation was successful, and he was later transferred back to Far East Rand Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries this afternoon (Friday)," Moloi said.
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Moloi, who learned of the death through Nkambule's younger brother, had remained in regular contact with the family throughout the former player's hospitalisation.
A career that spanned clubs and continents
Nkambule grew up in Etwatwa, Daveyton, and began his footballing journey through the amateur side Brazil before progressing into the Kaizer Chiefs development structures. His talent also earned him a stint abroad with French club Strasbourg, though he did not break into the first team. He returned to South Africa and went on to represent SuperSport United and Black Leopards during his professional career.
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In his post-professional years, he remained active in football through Ditlhake Masters, a team made up of former professionals including ex-Bafana Bafana players, and regularly featured in legends matches.
Moloi revealed that the loss carried deep personal weight, as the two men co-owned a football club in Etwatwa and worked together to nurture young talent in their community.
"Michael and I co-owned a football club in Etwatwa, so this is devastating for me. I'm speaking to you from his family home, where relatives have gathered. The family is expected to decide on the funeral arrangements over the weekend," Moloi said.
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Briefly News previously reported that Jayden Adams, who recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, passed away at the age of 25.
Adams' mentor, Brendine Johnson, confirmed the news on behalf of the family, describing the loss as devastating
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Source: Briefly News
