The club confirmed the passing of Mtolo through a statement that read, "It is with deep sadness to announce that Richards Bay Football Club has untimely lost one of their midfielder, Siphamandla 'Spepe' Mtolo, he collapsed this morning during training. The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and ask that his family's privacy is respected in this difficult time of bereavement," 

Mtolo featured in Richards Bay's 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs over the past weekend at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

The 29 year old who missed the larger part of the season due to injury led Richards Bay to the DSTV Premiership last season after the KZN side won the Motsepe Foundation Championship to be promoted to top flight football.

Having only featured in 8 league matches this season, Mtolo's presence both on and off the pitch will be solely missed as thoughts and prayers of everyone in Richards Bay Football Club are with his family, friends and loved ones.