Maluleka Breaks Silence After Collapse

AmaZulu midfielder George Maluleka has broken his silence after his collapse on the pitch in injury-time against Swallows, saying he is “stable and recovering well”.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder fell motionless to the floor late in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Swallows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with medics from both teams rushing onto the pitch after being alerted of the incident.

Even a defibrillator was rushed onto the pitch and thanks to the quick response from the medical teams he was stabilised, was breathing and moving when an ambulance took him off the field.

Club officials later confirmed to iDiski Times that the midfielder was ok after some tests and had not been transported to hospital, with the club confirming the news in an official release on Sunday.

“Thanks for your kind messages towards George Maluleka who required immediate medical attention right before the match against Swallows was about to end at Moses Mabhida.

“Mido was discharged after a number of tests were conducted by our medics.”

Maluleka himself took to Instagram to confirm he is alright and to thank his supporters for all the positive messages.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their concern, care and support during this time,” he wrote.

“I am stable and recovering well in the good care of my family. Words cannot describe my genuine gratitude for all the support and care I received both on and off the field.

“It has meant more to me than you will ever know and I look forward to being back on the field soon.”

It wasn’t the first time that the 34-year-old had collapsed on the pitch this season, as a similar incident appeared when AmaZulu faced Sekhukhune United on 1 January – but back then Maluleka even continued playing after being attended to by medicals.