Player’s death ends tournament Champ of champs tournament cancelled
The tournament organisers have called off the junior tournament after the death of one of the Roo Stars team.
ROO Stars Football Club academy player Kabelo Qabalatsane (16) collapsed during a match in Pretoria and tragically died later that day, on Friday October 7.
That was despite the young player receiving medical attention from the match doctor, who was on site and being admitted immediately to the Steve Biko Memorial Hospital.
Qabalatsane was playing in the opening match of the u.17 Engen Champ of Champs tournament, against Old Mutual Academy. As a mark of respect to the family and the soccer fraternity, the tournament organisers called off the junior tournament – following consultation with all the teams taking part.
The CEO of host club SuperSport United FC, Stan Matthews, expressed his condolences to the family and the club at the tragic event.
“No words can fully express our grief and shock at this tragedy,” he said. ”Unfortunately, we can’t make any further comment until we’ve received the official medical report, as to what caused this tragedy.
”At this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his teammates and everyone at Roo Stars – and all those present when the incident occurred.”
The tournament was contested by regional Champ of Champs winners including: Orlando Pirates (South Gauteng), Old Mutual (Western Cape), Umqhele High School (KwaZulu-Natal), Roos Stars (Free State), Chippa United (Eastern Cape) and hosts SuperSport United (North Gauteng).
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