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Devastating soccer tragedies

By Mazizi Ndzimela | Tue, 22 Nov 2011

The passing of a loved one makes most people sit back and realize how short and fragile life is. Our mortality serves as constant reminder that life can be taken at any time without notice. The uncertainty of when our lives will be brought to an end, forces humans to treasure every minute.

In the wake of the tragic death of Solomzi "Solly" Tyibilika, who was gunned down in Gugulethu on 13 November 2011, we look at soccer players who had their careers cut short too soon.

Lesley Manyethela

Nicknamed “Slow Poison” by soccer fans in South Africa, Lesley Manyathela was at the peak of his powers when an untimely car accident took his life. Manyathela was the leading goal scorer in the Premier Soccer League. He had a total of 22 goals (18 league, and 4 in cup competitions).

He was only 21 years old.

Theyab Awana

The 21 year-old made the headlines when he controversially back-heeled a penalty kick earlier this year when he was playing for UAE against Lebanon. Theyab Awana was considered one of the emerging talents of his country.

Awana was killed in a car crash, it is alleged the soccer star was on his mobile phone at the time of the accident.

Olubayo Adefemi

The “Super Falcons” defender had come up the ranks of Nigerian football; he represented his team in the 2008 Olympic team before making his debut against Ireland in 2009.

The 25 year-old was on his way to Nigeria finalise his wedding when he was killed in a car accident near the city of Kavala, Greece.

Andrés Escobar

Nicknamed the “The Gentleman of Football”, Andrés Escobar was murdered after he scored an own-goal during the 1994 Fifa World Cup.

Escobar died a month before his wedding to Pamela Cascardo.

Munich air disaster

On 6 February 1958, the world witnessed a horrific air crash that saw 23 passengers lose their lives when British European Airways Flight 609 crash on a third attempt to take off.

Among the fatalities were eight Manchester United Players, three Manchester United staff, eight journalists, two crew members and two other passengers - a travel agent and a supporter.

Source Wikipedia

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