Football world mourns death of Kaizer Chiefs legend, analyst Siphiwe Mkhonza

Kaizer Chiefs legend and popular SABC analyst, Siphiwe Mkhoza, died at the age of 44 on Tuesday morning. 

The family of the former defender confirmed the news, revealing that he had been suffering from a kidney infection. 

"He was admitted at Charlotte Maxeke (hospital) a month ago and was released after showing signs of recovery," the family said in a statement. 

"Mkhonza has been taken care off by his girlfriend and the mother of his three children Ms Nondumiso Masengemi at their home in Roodepoort. The family wishes to thank his former employer and his colleagues at SABC, fellow football legends from the stable he belonged to and friends for their support during his illness."

Mkhonza, who as born in Kwa-Thema in Springs, started his professional career at Bloemfontein Celtic.

He also played for Ria Stars and Golden Arrows before getting his big break at Chiefs in 2004.

He won every domestic trophy on offer in his three years at the club, which paved his way to Bafana Bafana where he earned a handful of caps. 

RIP Siphiwe MkhonzaKaizer Chiefs are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Siphiwe Mkhonza. "Dr. Mnandi" served the Club with distinction. As one of us, the entire Kaizer Chiefs family mourns with his loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.… pic.twitter.com/Eh5Iy5cb5k

He joined an illustrious list of father-son duos to have played for Chiefs. His father Joseph Mkhonza also played for Amakhosi before going on to coach Banyana Banyana and led them to their first Olympics appearance. 

"We are devastated as a family and we are in shock," Mkhonza senior told the South African Football Association (SAFA).

"We were looking forward to so much from him and we thought he would recover. I am at a