South Africa: Death threats sent to Zimbabwe’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya after Sihle Nduli tackle

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has reportedly been subjected to death threats and abusive messages on social media following the tackle that left Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli injured during AmaZulu’s 1-1 draw with the Buccaneers at Kings Park on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Zimbabwean forward has allegedly become the target of online hostility after a late challenge on Nduli shortly after the restart, with the incident sparking widespread debate among football supporters.

According to B-Metro, a source close to Ngwenya revealed that the AmaZulu player has been receiving threatening messages despite having no intention of deliberately hurting his opponent.

“Ngwenya has been receiving death threats on social media after the incident. But he had no intentions against Nduli,” the source was quoted as saying.

Ngwenya ‘did not intend’ to cause injury

The source insisted that Ngwenya’s challenge was not intended to injure Nduli and said the forward had been disturbed by the severity of some of the messages directed at him since the match.

The incident came at a particularly unfortunate time for Nduli, who was making his first start of the new season after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury sustained in November last year.

Ngwenya caught the Pirates midfielder on the ankle with a late challenge, prompting the referee to show the Zimbabwean a yellow card.

Although Nduli received treatment and initially attempted to continue, he was unable to play on and was substituted just 10 minutes into the second half.

Online backlash escalates

Nduli’s injury and the nature of the tackle quickly became a major talking point on social media, with some supporters directing their anger towards Ngwenya.

The reaction has now moved beyond criticism of the challenge, with reports that the forward has faced personal abuse and death threats from individuals responding to the incident online.

The allegations have once again highlighted concerns over the increasingly hostile environment footballers can face on social media following controversial moments during matches.

While players are routinely subjected to criticism over their performances and challenges, threats against their lives represent a serious escalation of online abuse.

Ngwenya is reportedly receiving support from people close to him as the matter continues to attract attention.

The incident also comes as Nduli begins his latest comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, making the circumstances surrounding his early substitution particularly frustrating for the Pirates midfielder.