Michael Nkambule has died. The former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United midfielder passed away on Friday afternoon, two weeks after his vehicle overturned in a solo accident — leaving him with spinal cord injuries he ultimately could not survive.
He was 37.
Family friend and spokesperson Siyabonga Moloi, who confirmed the news to Soccer Laduma, put the personal weight of it plainly: "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."
From Etwatwa to Strasbourg — and back
Nkambule's career traced an unusual arc for a South African player of his generation. He started in the amateur ranks with Brazil FC in Etwatwa, caught enough attention to enter the Kaizer Chiefs youth system, and then — still a teenager — earned a move to Strasbourg in France. A first-team breakthrough in Ligue 1 never materialised, but the stint abroad shaped him as a player in ways that were visible when he returned home.
Back in South Africa, he spent time at SuperSport United before a three-year run at Kaizer Chiefs, then moved to Black Leopards before eventually hanging up his boots. Post-retirement, he stayed close to the game — appearing regularly in legends matches for Ditlhake Masters alongside former Bafana Bafana internationals, and putting real energy into grassroots development in his community.
The accident and its aftermath
According to Moloi, Nkambule was alone when his vehicle overturned roughly two weeks ago. He was taken first to Far East Rand Hospital, then transferred to Johannesburg General Hospital for surgery on his spinal cord. The operation was described as successful. He was transferred back to Far East Rand Hospital — and did not recover.
Tributes are already coming in from former teammates and clubs. Details of the memorial and funeral services are expected from the family in the coming days.
