In a terrible accident, Kaizer Chiefs starlet McFarlane passes away.
One of the most talented players in the Soweto giants’ academy has left the team.
James McFarlane, a starlet at the Kaizer Chiefs academy, has sadly passed away, according to Siyavuma Sports Group (SSG), his managing agency.
It is reported that the talented midfield player was hurt in a car accident.
Regarding the passing of the South African youth international, SSG issued the following statement.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that we advise that James McFarlane, Kaizer Chiefs U19 and SA national U17 team player has passed away in a tragic accident,” said a statement.
“One member of our family passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and companions who also sadly passed away.
“James, we shall miss you. I pray for the peace of your soul. The “Leaders of African Football” are Base Soccer #SSG.
Prior to being elevated to the club’s under-19 squad, the 18-year-old captained the Chiefs under-17 squad.
In 2017, Molefi Ntseki, the head coach of South Africa’s under-17 team at the time, was impressed by his exploits and added him to the squad.
McFarlane competed in the 2017 Cosafa Under-17 Championship in Mauritius as a member of the South African team.
With a goal from the small player against Mozambique in the first Group B encounter, South Africa made it to the next round of eliminations.
But in the tournament’s semifinals, Ntseki’s team was taken aback by the hosts, and in the third-place play-off game, they also fell short against Malawi.
After that, McFarlane was added to South Africa’s preliminary team for the Cosafa Under-17 Championship in 2018, which was held in Mauritius as well.
This time, though, Ntseki’s team placed second and advanced to the 2019 Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tanzania, and McFarlane was left out of the regional tournament final squad.
Goal offers its sincere condolences to McFarlane’s friends and family, as well as to his team, the Chiefs, and his former teammates.
