Bonginkosi Ntuli’s father, Thulani and his wife Snenjabulo Zungu paid emotional tributes to the late AmaZulu striker, who was laid to rest on Thursday.
Former AmaZulu striker Ntuli passed away on Sunday due to an “aggressive cancer” and his memorial service was held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.
On the day of his passing, it was supposed to be Ntuli’s traditional wedding with AmaZulu CEO Snenjabulo Zungu, with their white wedding having taken place in the Midlands in September.
The memorial service was attended by PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala, Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi, Maritzburg United coach Zipho Dlangalala, friends, current and former teammates as well as Ntuli’s family.
“I want you to fight, fight for AmaZulu. Fight for the home you came from,” said Ntuli’s father on the stage.
“Because your death, I’m not sure about it. But I’m thankful to the in-laws because he comes from a good club.
“I remember the first time when we played in the PSL, he scored his first goal in the PSL against Orlando Pirates.
“I wish every player of AmaZulu to score a goal in matches that they are going to play because of you. Thank you to those who came, I hope the man above can wipe our sorrow tears because this tragedy was God’s plan.
“I want to tell you a story. When Bongi and his mother were watching the TV, he said ‘mum, one day I’ll be on TV’ and the boy was talking about something that became a reality.
“I wish you, Bongi to rest well and look after your wife. Don’t give up MaZungu because we are here for you.”
Ntuli’s wife fought back the tears before paying tribute to her husband during the emotional memorial service.
“This is painful, I just don’t know – Bongi,” Snenjabulo Zungu, daughter of AmaZulu president, Sandile Zungu said.
“But what I do know you were in immense pain, I comforted you but I couldn’t fix you. I know you fought, I saw you, I saw your last tears, I wiped them and I begged you to fight some more.
“This is tough, this is painful, I love you. You left me Bongi – I just don’t know where to go from here. What am I supposed to do?
“[While in hospital] you said I should prepare our traditional wedding, but I’m preparing for the funeral now. How do you leave me like this? Who is going to call me Sphondo [forehead].
“We would watch every football match together, every single highlight. Who is going to take me to buy ice cream? I would call him and he would say ‘you are missing me now? Eyy, you call all the time’.
“Go well Sompisi, Costa, Diego, Mdeva.”
Ntuli, who also played for Arrows, Platinum Stars and Sundowns, scored 75 goals in 281 appearances in his career.
