Young SA cricketer dies while doing fitness tests
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has heard with shock and profound sadness of the tragic passing of Lukhanya Tsiki at the age of 22 while doing fitness tests in the Eastern Cape.
Lukhanya was a student at the CSA/University of Fort Hare Academy, which is run by former Proteas fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam, where he was studying a diploma course in Marketing Management via MSC College.
He had previously represented Border Schools at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola under-19 cricket week in 2010 and 2011 while a student at Queen’s College.
He participated in physical fitness tests with other members of the Academy on Monday, April 18, and suddenly collapsed while his group was taking a breather.
Members of the Academy Staff endeavoured to revive him before he was transferred to the Alice Hospital where he passed away later the same day from suspected heart failure.
Ngam told ESPNcricinfo: "Normally at this time of the year, guys will do fitness. On Monday, we wanted to check where the guys were with fitness.
"He was fine, he didn't have any problems, he was one of those guys who could run the yo-yo [bleep test] up to 20. He ran 17 and after he was finished, he took his shirt off and sat with his mates and coughed and collapsed.
We took him to the hospital but it was too late."
CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, said: "This is shocking news for the entire South African Cricketing Community and on behalf of the CSA Family I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his cricketing colleagues.
"We will do everything we can to provide counselling and support to his family as well as the staff and players of the Academy who have understandably been deeply affected by this traumatic event."
Lukhanya is survived by his brothers, Khaya and Cebo, and his sister, Neliswa. Cebo represented SA Schools in 2007 and made his franchise debut for the Cape Cobras during the course of the 2015/16 season.
Latest
-
Test cricketVirat Kohli seeks ‘absolute clarity’ about Test tour of South Africa
Will it or won’t it?
-
The AshesChris Woakes wants racism and sexting scandals left out of Ashes sledging
The build-up to the first Test has been overshadowed by racism and sexism scandals.
-
The AshesAlex Carey replaces Tim Paine in Australia’s squad for first two Ashes Tests
Maiden Test awaits experienced ODI and T20I wicketkeeper-batsman.
-
The AshesBT Sport cut Michael Vaughan from Ashes coverage
Vaughan has denied allegations of racism during his time with Yorkshire.
-
The AshesBBC expect to work again with Michael Vaughan despite Ashes omission
Vaughan has denied allegations of racism during his time with Yorkshire.
-
Test cricketShaheen Afridi breaks into top five in latest world rankings
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has moved into the top five on the Test bowling rankings for the first time in his career.
-
The AshesBen Stokes ‘fit and hungry for a big series’ ahead of first Ashes Test
The all-rounder was added to England’s squad to face Australia in October after recovering from a fractured finger.
-
Test cricketAlex Carey backed to make step up to Test cricket
Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey will have no problem handling the pressure of Test cricket, according to all-rounder Cameron Green.
-
South AfricaCSA reaffirms commitment to provide world-class bio-bubble
CSA has reiterated their confidence that a world-class biologically safe environment will be instituted for India’s tour to the country.
-
Test cricketIndia tour of SA remains on schedule – BCCI president Sourav Ganguly
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed India's...