Zimbabwean soccer player receives death threats in South Africa

Warriors striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has reportedly received death threats following the tackle that left Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli injured during AmaZulu's 1-1 draw with the Buccaneers at Kings Park on Wednesday.

According to B-Metro, a source close to the 23-year-old forward said Ngwenya had been subjected to threatening and abusive messages on social media following the incident.

"Ngwenya has been receiving death threats on social media after the incident. But he had no intentions against Nduli," the source was quoted as saying.

The source added that Ngwenya did not intend to injure Nduli and had been disturbed by the nature of some of the messages directed at him.

The incident occurred shortly after the restart when Ngwenya caught Nduli on the ankle with a late challenge. The Warriors forward was shown a yellow card for the tackle.

Nduli was making his first start of the new season after returning from an Achilles tendon injury suffered in November last year.

The Pirates midfielder received treatment following the challenge but was unable to continue and was substituted just 10 minutes into the second half.

The incident has since generated debate among supporters on social media, with Ngwenya reportedly becoming the target of abuse and threats over the tackle.

However, the allegations of death threats have raised concerns over the growing hostility directed at footballers online, particularly following contentious incidents during matches.

Ngwenya is reportedly being supported by those close to him as the matter continues to generate attention.