1 October 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of coach Raymond Mdaka’s younger brother, Eric.
The South African Under-20 and Under-23 men’s national team coach confirmed that the 47-year-old Eric passed away at home in the early hours of Thursday month after falling ill.
The funeral arrangements are still underway, but he will most likely be buried next weekend in Bolobedu, Tzaneen, Limpopo. Coach Mdaka sat on the stands when the South African U23 men’s national team faced Algeria in a friendly match played at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
He made the request to sit on the stands after receiving the news of his brother’s passing and watched his charges beat the North Africans 3-1 in a game that is part of SAFA’s preparations for the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Karabo Mogudi, coach Mdaka’s assistant, will take over till end of the U23 camp. Mogudi was also on the bench on Thursday.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan offered his deepest condolences and said the Association joins the Mdaka family in mourning his passing. “Our sincere condolences to our coach Raymond Mdaka and his entire family on the sad loss of his younger brother,” said Dr Jordaan.
“We express our shared sorrow on his loss. May God grant the family comfort and healing during this difficult time. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
We as SAFA extend our heartfelt condolences to coach Raymond and his loved ones, and we pray that they may find strength, comfort, and peace as they navigate this great loss.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences on behalf of the Association.
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