Ex manchester united’s star, Daley Blind collapsed on the field due to heart problems; Reminds Africa and Burundi of Papy Faty who collapsed and died on the pitch last year

Ex man united star, Daley Blind collapsed and was taken from the field during Ajax’s pre-season friendly against Hertha Berlin on Tuesday. Last year, the initial heart incident came as a shock with Blind’s senior career featuring more than 350 matches across 12 years, including 69 caps for the Netherlands. The Netherlands international has suffered myocardial issues in the past and was fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Daley Blind’s ICD went off during the match, and he collapsed.

Even though the club gave a statement that he is feeling fine now, fans are concerned and suggesting he retires from football. At the same time, African fans are likening his scenario to that of Papy Faty.

Faty, Born on 18 September 1990, 28, was playing for local team Melanti Chiefs, whom he joined in early February. a Burundi International player who played for the Burundi National team Intamba Mu Rugamba and helped the Swallows to book their ticket to attend the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for their first time

 

Burundi Football Federation (BFA) president Reverien Ndikuriyo described Faty’s passing as a ‘hard blow’ as the East Africans prepare to debut at the Nations Cup in Egypt.

“On behalf of the BFA and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the deceased’s family and Burundi football. It’s a hard blow coming after we qualified for the 2019 Nations Cup,” said Ndikuriyo.

Faty was released from his contracts at South African clubs Bidvest Wits and Real Kings due to a long-standing heart condition, unable to join a club in South Africa. He moved to Swaziland and joined Melanti Chiefs on a six-month deal in February.

It was confirmed that doctors in January 2019 advised him to stop playing and go for a heart operation, but that he had rejected the advice and a heart operation because he believed his heart issues were behind him.

It was not the first time he was collapsing in the pitch, but it was the last time.

His two goals in seven matches in eSwatini caught the selectors’ attention in March, and he was recalled to the national set-up after a three-year absence.

Faty was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Gabon at home in March that sealed Burundi’s maiden spot at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Papy Faty was the only player stated to be crazy over Burundi Swallows qualification for the 2019 AFCON of their history after a second leg draws match against Gabon at Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura. He made an unforgettable celebration.

Faty made his international debut in June 2008, scoring three goals in 28 appearances for The Swallows.