Sizwe Motaung

Sizwe Motaung

Personal information
Full name	Sizwe Wesley Motaung
Date of birth	(1970-01-07)7 January 1970
Place of birth	Newcastle, South Africa
Date of death	16 August 2001(2001-08-16) (aged 31)
Place of death	Newcastle, South Africa
Height	1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
	Chippa's Dynamos
	Durban Leeds United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1990–1994	Jomo Cosmos	278	(11)
1994–1996	Mamelodi Sundowns	86	(1)
1996–1997	St. Gallen	15	(0)
1997–1998	CD Tenerife	13	(0)
1998–2000	Kaizer Chiefs	49	(0)
2000–2001	Orlando Pirates	36	(1)
Total		488	(13)
International career
1992–1997	South Africa	51	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Sizwe Motaung (7 January 1970 – 16 August 2001) was a South African football player who played for Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, St. Gallen, CD Tenerife, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as well at international level for the national side. He was part of the squad that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. Sizwe Motaung's style of play was characterized by his skillful and strategic approach to the game. He was known for his ability to play multiple positions on the field, showcasing his versatility as a midfielder. Motaung's play was marked by his technical skills, agility, and ability to create and control space. He was also recognized for his leadership qualities, often leading his team in crucial moments. Motaung's style of play contributed significantly to his success at various clubs and in international competitions, making him a respected player in the South African Premier Soccer League and the national team. Considered as one of the best right-backs in South African football.

Club career

He played for Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, St. Gallen, CD Tenerife, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. He was successful at Jomo Cosmos and won the Nedbank Cup in 1990. Motaung scored one of the goals in Sundowns' losing effort in the 1994 BP Top 8 final. He won the 2000-01 PSL and 2000 BP Top 8 with Orlando Pirates.

International career

Motaung made his international debut in 1992 against Cameroon. He was part of the squad that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. He was included to play for 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia. He was not considered for the 1998 African Cup of Nations and 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Death

He died of an AIDS-related disease at his home in Newcastle on 16 August 2001, at the age of 31.

Honours

• Nedbank Cup: 1990, 2000
• South African Premiership: 1993-94, 2000–01
• 2000 BP Top 8
• 1994 BP Top 8; runner-up
• Africa Cup of Nations: 1996