The African football family was thrown into mourning with the news of the passing of Burundian midfielder Papy Faty, who collapsed during a match in Swaziland on Thursday. Faty collapsed during a match between Malanti Chiefs and Green Mamba at the Killarney Stadium in Piggs Peak.
The 28 year old midfielder played for Bidvest Wits in South Africa before joining Malanti Chiefs of Eswatini.
Faty had opened up about heart complications and was advised by doctors to quit football. His heart condition led Bidvest Wits to release him, but he continued playing despite his conditions. He had collapsed twice while playing in the South African League (PSL) in 2015, during games against SuperSport United and Chippa United.
Faty Papy also played for Trabzonspor in Turkey and played a part in Burundi’s qualification for their maiden Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
With the Africa Cup of Nations in less than two months, the sudden death of Faty Papy comes as a huge shock.