Player Slumps, Dies During League Match

Player Slumps, Dies During League Match 

Sampson Adedeji

A Burundian footballer, Igiraneza Aimé Guéric, has tragically died after collapsing during a second-division league match, with eyewitnesses alleging his death was linked to a traditional “witchcraft” practice, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Igiraneza, a midfielder for Les Guêpiers du Lac, slumped to the ground during his side’s fixture against LLB Amasipiri Never Give Up, played at the Ngaraga National Technical Centre on Saturday, December 20. 

Medical personnel immediately attended to the player on the pitch before he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead en route.

In the aftermath, the Burundian Football Federation released a condolence statement to the player’s family and his club but did not disclose the cause of death.

However, multiple eyewitnesses have since claimed that Igiraneza accidentally swallowed a coin he had placed in his mouth during the match. 

According to African Public Radio, the coin was allegedly a gris-gris an amulet commonly associated with traditional spiritual or witchcraft rituals.

Although the late midfielder had previously denied engaging in such practices in an interview, the use of marabouts or protective objects remains prevalent in some quarters of Burundian football culture.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and debate within the country’s football community, with many describing the practice as dangerous and costly, particularly for clubs and players already facing financial hardship. Calls have also intensified for clearer regulations and education to curb the use of such rituals in football.

As of the time of filing this report, the Burundian Football Federation has yet to issue further clarification on the circumstances surrounding Igiraneza Aimé Guéric’s death.