PICTURE: X/ THANDO MNGOMENI
Former professional footballer Thando Mngomeni has been missing for more than a month, leaving his family and the football community increasingly worried about his whereabouts.
According to media reports, the 44-year-old — who once played for Bush Bucks, SuperSport United, Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, and the South African Under-23 national side — has not been seen since mid-June.
His brother, Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates legend Thabo Mngomeni, told TimesLIVE he was not ready to comment in detail, stating:
“I don’t want to talk much about this matter until I have spoken to his girlfriend.”
𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚!!!
Former midfielder Thando Mngomeni has been missing for over a month and his family is concerned.
“If you have any info, kindly contact us [see poster for details],” Lunga Mamputa, who identified himself as Thando’s causin, tells #UNPLAYABLE. pic.twitter.com/ewQJDJ5VrJ
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) July 22, 2025
The family’s concern was echoed more strongly by Thando’s sister, who spoke to Soccer Laduma, revealing that even those closest to him are in the dark.
“I’m Thando’s older sister, and as a family, we are deeply concerned because no one knows where he is – we’re all looking for him. Even those close to him, who would usually know his whereabouts, have no idea where he is,” she said.
She last spoke to Thando on June 16, a public holiday, and saw him a day or two later in Gugulethu, Cape Town, where he was reportedly waiting for a friend named Musa. According to Musa, he and Thando left together that day with Thando’s girlfriend — who is now believed to have been the last person to see him.
➡️ Family Claims Former Footballer Mngomeni Is Missing 😳
Former footballer Thando Mngomeni has been missing since mid-June. His family has spoken to Soccer Laduma in an emotional plea for help as conflicting stories continue to surface.
MORE: https://t.co/cQzcenbwWK pic.twitter.com/1Xh3IMrR6b
— Soccer Laduma Local (@SLLocal) July 22, 2025
Known for his creativity on the field, Thando was most lauded for his time at SuperSport United under coach Pitso Mosimane, where he played alongside Raymond Seopa, Cavann Sibeko, Peter Khoabane, Denis Masina, Emmanuel Zulu and Tony Tsabedze. Despite his early promise, many believe he never fully realised his football potential.
The Mngomeni family is now appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating Thando or confirming that he is safe.
First published on African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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