{"id":296501,"date":"2026-04-12T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/schoolboy-15-dies-during-rugby-derby-in-free-state\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T14:06:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T12:06:39","slug":"schoolboy-15-dies-during-rugby-derby-in-free-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/schoolboy-15-dies-during-rugby-derby-in-free-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Schoolboy (15) dies during rugby derby in Free State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>SASOLBURG &#8211;<\/strong> A 15-year-old rugby player has died after experiencing difficulty breathing during a u-15 Classic Clashes match in the Free State on 10 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nhlakanipho Buthelezi (15) was playing for HTS Sasolburg against Sasolburg High School when the incident occurred. The school confirmed his death in a Facebook post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHTSSasolburg%2Fposts%2Fpfbid031i3c3xqRXNexJSHhWdJGBZPDt19FJ67NXX5unDVM33uZXpdQXnBkQkVZYaRhxiTKl&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"498\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>The player was rushed to hospital during the match, where he was later declared dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Free State Department of Education MEC Dr Mantlhake Maboya said the department was shocked by the loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We are deeply shocked by the tragic loss of Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, a young life cut short. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the HTS Sasolburg community. We extend our condolences and support during this difficult time,&#8221; Maboya said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We will support the school and family in any way possible and appreciate the swift response of medical personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Nhlakanipho&#8217;s passing reminds us of the fragility of life. We stand with his loved ones and the school community in mourning this loss.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In February, a talented rugby player from Brackenfell Rugby Club, <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/young-brackenfell-rugby-star-collapses-and-dies-at-training-camp\/\">Joshua Afrika<\/a> (24), collapsed and died at a rugby training camp in Riebeek-Kasteel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In December 2025 a 17-year-old learner from Westering High School in Gqeberha, <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/school-rugby\/school-offers-counselling-after-teen-dies-during-rugby-practice\/\">Kungawo Boo<\/a>i, passed away during rugby practice. Police said they were informed that Kungawo was busy practising rugby when he was injured. He received medical attention on the scene but passed away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A 15-year-old rugby player, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, died after breathing difficulties during a match, shocking the community and 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