FORMER Flame Lily player Raphael Kawondera has died.

He was 28. Kawondera died at Chitungwiza South Med Hospital on Tuesday after a short illness. He worked as a prison officer and was playing for Prisons FC, a Division Two side, at the time of his death.

His uncle, Ralph Kawondera, a former Dynamos assistant and Flame Lily coach, confirmed the death.

“He complained of a headache on Saturday last week, and he went to hospital the following day, where he was attended to. Everything seemed fine, and he even went and played a soccer match on Independence Day on Thursday. He complained of a fever afterwards, but it was nothing serious. He went to work on Tuesday, that is when the situation deteriorated. He was taken to South Med and died around midday before he could be attended to by the doctor,” Ralph narrated.

Raphael was part of the history-making Flame Lily squad that won promotion into the Premiership in 2014 under Nesbert Saruchera. He is the twin brother of Triangle United captain Ralph.

“He was a very good boy. I was taking care of the boys together with their brother Richard after the death of their dad, who is my brother. He was supposed to get married in the coming few months,” the senior Ralph added.

Ralph yesterday collapsed after learning of his brother’ death, and needed hospital treatment and counselling, the premier league club said.

Ralph Kawondera needed hospital treatment and counselling on Wednesday following the death of his brother, Triangle FC said.

Ralph, the Triangle captain, was admitted at the Collin Saunders Hospital “unconscious” but was making a recovery, his club said.

The club said in a brief statement posted on Twitter: “Our captain Kaondera was admitted at Collin Saunders Hospital. He was unconscious since the time he received sad news that his twin brother died Raphael Junior today.

“He has responded so well to both medical and psychological counseling. We wish him a quick recovery may his twin brother rest in peace.”

Ralph is not in any way related to former Warriors top striker Shingi, but he comes from a family that has given this nation footballers such as former Darryn T stalwart Raphael, lower division coach Ralph senior as well as former Dynamos and Triangle striker Richard.

His twin brother Raphael Jr and goalkeeper Chamunorwa played in the Division One League.

Raphael Junior had spells at Division One outfits National Handling Services and Highfield United.