AmaZulu: George Maluleka discharged after collapsing on field

The 34-year-old was attended to by medics when he fell to the ground, clutching his chest, with an ambulance having to then transport him to the hospital. 

Usuthu coach Romain Folz said this was the second time in six months Maluleka collapsed. 

The scenes in Durban also follow in the wake of Richards Bay FC midfielder Siphamadla Mtolo died after he fell unconscious at training early last month.   

“Usually the heart situation and all those tests you conduct, you do it during pre-season to check if everything is okay. I would have to check on what was done before I arrived," Folz told journalists after the match.

"Yes, ultimately it’s the second time in the space of six months [he has collapsed]. We need to be cautious and to check what exactly is happening.

"You saw what happened with one of the Richards Bay players recently. I believe that’s above football, so let’s protect the man first.” 

Folz told journalists following a game that ended with Usuthu losing 1-0 to the Dube Birds: “You saw what happened with one of the Richards Bay players recently. I believe that’s above football, so let’s protect the man first.” 

Maluleka, a former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns player, posted on his Instagram account that he was “okay” when his followers wished him a speedy recovery. 

The club has also since issued an update. 

“Thanks for your kind messages towards George Maluleka, who required immediate medical attention right before the match against Swallows was about to end at Moses Mabhida. Mido was discharged after a number of tests were conducted by our medics.” the statement read. 

By Nkululeko Dladla & Mazola Molefe