South Africa, a proud rugby nation, has been gutted by the news that revered commentator Kaunda Ntunja passed away on Monday morning.
Kaunda Ntunja dead aged 58: Here’s what we know
His sister, Tando Ntunja, made the announcement on her Facebook page.
“As you can imagine, we still trying to make sense of this tragic news and we ask for your love, care and discretion as we prepare to lay my big brother to rest,” she wrote.
The moment that immortalised Kaunda Ntunja
Ntunja will be remembered as a true commentary artist. The profession may be a retirement option for maturing athletes in the eyes of many, but for Ntunja, it was a stage for him to display his artistic gift of spurring crowds.
His iconic Xhosa commentary, which he provides as an anchor on SuperSport’s rugby coverage, has gained him international acclaim and many still remember the goosebump-inducing, hair-raising introduction of Springboks rugby captain Siya Kolisi he gave at the 2019 world cup.
SA Rugby bids farewell to one of their own
Scores of sports fans, pundits and his colleagues took to social media to react to the news of Ntunja’s untimely death. SuperSport commentator Kobus Wiese tweeted, “Had the privilege to call him my colleague, but more importantly, my friend.”
The Springboks official Twitter account also released a statement on Ntunja’s passing, describing it as a “loss of one of our most-beloved rugby sons.”
The family has asked for privacy in these trying times. Further updates will be provided as they are made available by his family.