Serbian football manager dies during league match
A Serbian football manager died after suffering a heart attack during a league fixture on Sunday evening, having earlier complained of feeling ill following a fish meal, reports BritPanorama.
Mladen Zizovic, 44, collapsed beside the pitch 22 minutes into his side Radnicki 1923’s encounter with Mladost. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to the hospital, he could not be saved.
According to team member Mehmed Cosic, Zizovic had expressed discomfort after the fish meal consumed during the squad’s pre-match lunch. The manager had declined to finish the meal after voicing concerns about how he felt.
Zizovic was overseeing only his third match since taking charge of the Serbian top-tier club on 23 October. His passing marks a sudden and tragic event in the football community.
During the match, play was initially halted when Zizovic collapsed, as players and staff held hope for a positive outcome. Cosic recalled the atmosphere: “We believed that he would come back… to celebrate the victory.” However, the fixture was ultimately abandoned just before half-time when confirmation of Zizovic’s death came through.
Disturbing footage of the moments following the manager’s collapse revealed the raw emotion as players and staff learned of the tragic news. The video showed teammates embracing and weeping, struggling to process the shock in the wake of Zizovic’s collapse.
In light of the incident, Radnicki 1923 suspended all training activities for the week, postponing their upcoming fixture against Cukaricki. Zizovic’s funeral is set for Thursday, with the football community preparing to pay tribute.
Supporters of FK Borac Banja Luka, where Zizovic previously served as manager, have created a memorial mural outside their stadium to honour him. The club achieved significant success under his leadership, culminating in their most notable European achievements last season.
Reflecting on the incident, his former players expressed profound disbelief at Zizovic’s untimely passing. The squad released a statement remembering him as “Boss, Our Ziza,” honouring not just his tactical acumen but also his character and warmth.
Radnicki 1923 articulated their “deep pain and disbelief,” praising Zizovic’s energy and professionalism, as he had swiftly earned the respect of players and fans alike during his brief tenure.
