Charity football match for Croydon stab victim Oliver Kingonzila's family

12:05pm Sunday 16th November 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

The friends of stab victim Oliver Kingonzila and his brother Herve, who died of a heart attack, are to take to the pitch in their honour.

Oliver, 19, of Wellesley Road, was stabbed to death outside the E-Bar in South End, Croydon, in September.

He had recently made his first team debut for League Two side Barnet FC in North London.

At 6ft 2in and with an imposing figure, the midfielder was highly rated by the club.

He had worked his way through the Protec Football Development School and had captained Barnet’s U18 team.

As well as his footballing career, Oliver was also studying business at Croydon College.

His family had already suffered the pain of losing older brother Herve, 27, who collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack while playing for Ringmer FC in February.

Speaking about the loss, Ringmer boss Steve Johnson said on the club’s website: “It was a difficult day for everyone, for the opposition as well as us, and there was a sense of relief at the end.

“It was very quiet in the changing room before the match and the players were very emotional after the game.

“The players all linked arms for the minute’s silence and that shows what a close-knit football community we have in Sussex. Herve’s partner was there too and it was nice for her to see how much he meant to people.

“The football was secondary really, but the boys wanted to win for Herve’s memory and I have never seen so many people throw their bodies at balls in my life.

“They were absolutely magnificent, considering they are all still grieving.”

Now their former teammates have decided to ease the financial pressure on their grieving family with a charity match.

A Ringmer XI will travel to Croydon on November 30 to play an XI of former players from Croydon Athletic’s youth team.

Oliver was remembered by his team in the aftermath of his death with a minute’s silence and black armbands at their next fixture.

Since Herve’s death Ringmer FC has retired the number six jersey, which now hangs in the clubhouse to remember their former captain.

Tickets are available on the day or can be bought in advance by calling Andy Brogan on 07747 163130.

Kick off will be at 3pm and entry will cost £5.