SA Rugby public mourns the passing of as respected Xhosa commentator and former player Kaunda Ntunja dies
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Respected South African rugby commentator and broadcaster Kaunda Ntunja has died at the age of 38.
An award-winning rugby commentator, Ntunja became the first black African to captain SA Schools and SA U19 in 2000 and 2001 respectively. Having played at youth level for the Sharks, he represented the Cheetahs, Southern Kings and Lions at senior level, before hanging up his boots in 2008 due to recurring injuries.
Following his playing days, Ntunja became a Xhosa rugby commentator for South African broadcaster SuperSport, calling his first match between the Kings and the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
The tragic news of his passing was confirmed by his sister, Tando, on social media on Monday morning.
SuperSport sadly mourns the passing away of leading rugby commentator & presenter Kaunda Ntunja. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Lala Ngoxolo, Zizi ๐ pic.twitter.com/keqEtTPETd
— SuperSport ๐ (@SuperSportTV) July 20, 2020
"It is with deep sadness I confirm the passing of our beloved brother Kaunda Ntunja, earlier today in East London, Eastern Cape," Tando Ntunja wrote.
"As you can imagine, we still trying to make sense of this tragic news and we ask for your love, care and discretion as we prepare to lay my big brother to rest."
Considered one of the most animated and popular commentators in South African rugby, Ntunja's work with Supersport has claimed the attention of the worldwide rugby public.
He famously introduced Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain for the first time in 2018 against England at Ellis Park and featured prominently throughout the Rugby World Cup.
๐ One of the voices of rugby in South Africa has passed away.
— Sport4U (@SportSA4U) July 20, 2020
๐ข RIP Kaunda Ntunja.
pic.twitter.com/O4Q8emJ3Sa
Kaunda Ntunja’s historic commentary on Mampipi during rugby world cup @SuperSportTV #RIPKaunda ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/v0Gr7uB4Ki
— Buccaneer๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฆ (@Mkhathini_03) July 20, 2020
The South African rugby public and fans took to Twitter following Kaunda Ntunja passing.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of such an amazing character whose powerful voice will forever be remembered in rugby commentary ๐๐ฝ๐ข๐ข. R.I.P Kaunda ๐๐๐. https://t.co/vpE1wpCw7c
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) July 20, 2020
Im shocked and stunned. My heart is broken. A great man, a good friend and a brilliant commentator has been lost. #RIPKaundaNtunja
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) July 20, 2020
So saddened to hear this tragic news this morning, rest easy Kaunda๐ https://t.co/piV68MFy2e
— BJ Botha (@BJBotha) July 20, 2020
Just the most stunning, generous man. That smile, that shake of the head, that spirit. Rest in peace, big guy. https://t.co/Mf5bHiluoj
— Clinton van der Berg (@ClintonV) July 20, 2020
It's with sadness that we all have to digest the tragic news of Kaunda Ntunja passing
— ThandoManana (@TandoManana) July 20, 2020
He was friend in & outside RUGBY. We debated famously on Room Dividers & we respected each other as people who knew the game
His family has lost Iqhawe. Indoda enobunganga. Rest Easy Zizi๐๐ญ pic.twitter.com/bMV7HRPgVF
Of course I had to include this incredible moment ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ #RIPKaunda pic.twitter.com/utgxOO314l
— Easy Just (@Gama_Maverick) July 20, 2020
The fact that I dont understand Xhosa is the only reason I have never said Kaunda Ntunja is the best rugby commentator in SA. Still loved listening to his voice #RIPKaundaNtunja Liqhashu! iBubbly! Shampopo! Champeezy https://t.co/bg7AZT97cj
— 32-12 (@BoknRoll) July 20, 2020
The Lions Rugby Company is sad to learn of the tragic passing of former player and commentator Kaunda Ntunja.
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 20, 2020
Read full release here: https://t.co/qjFvKVsIkQ
๐ท: SuperSport pic.twitter.com/PfJAUJLg6W
Very sad and tragic news, the passing of Kaunda Ntunja. Had the privilege to call him my colleague , but more important my friend๐ Mooi loop, Kaunda๐
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) July 20, 2020
We are deeply saddened at the loss of one of our most-beloved rugby sons, Kaunda Ntunja, who passed away at the age of 38 this morning. He was a true rugby pioneer – the first black African SA Schools captain, a Currie Cup winner and a groundbreaking SuperSport commentator. pic.twitter.com/OzcfHbYgqh
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 20, 2020
What a loss, Rest In peace Kaunda Ntunja, great guy and always put a smile on my face whether meeting him in studio or watching him on SuperSport. ๐๐ผ
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) July 20, 2020
Sad to have lost one of the jewels of SA rugby & broadcasting, Kaunda Ntunja.
— Elma Smit (@Elmakapelma) July 20, 2020
A giant in spirit & stature.
He was always so generous, investing in the craft, sharing feedback and input with everyone around him.
He set the bar incredibly high!
What an inspiration,
lala ngoxolo
๐ข
The Sharks are saddened to hear about the passing of Kaunda Ntunja. Thank you for the great memories you gave us on commentary. Our sincere condolences is extended to your family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/8zpa9iDeLk
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) July 20, 2020
RIP Kaunda Ntunja. Shocked by the news. Loved your passion for rugby as well as your knowledge of the game. Sterkte to the family.
— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) July 20, 2020
The #KingsFamily is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kaunda Ntunja, a friend and supporter of the Kings.
— Southern Kings (@SouthernKingsSA) July 20, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to the Ntunja family
"Valani ezo bhayibhile! Niqongqothe ezobhekile. Nixwaye iibhatyi zenu. Into ebesize ngayo iphelile."
Phumla Zizi! pic.twitter.com/nGS38u3SX7
May your soul Rest In Peace Kaunda Ntunja ๐ condolences to the Ntunja Family and friends. Your memory and your legacy will live forever ๐๐พ
— Sibusiso Sithole (@sburasithole) July 20, 2020
Image via: Supersport.
