South Africa : Footballer left fighting for his life after being struck by LIGHTNING during match

Maritzburg United striker Luyanda Ntshangase is fighting for his life after he was struck by lightning.

The forward is reportedly in an induced coma after the freak accident during a friendly match with SAB League side Arsenal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africawhich left him and several of his team-mates unconscious.

Ntshangase, a South African youth international, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was placed in the coma.

Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids asked people to pray for the 21-year-old after the bizarre incident occurred.

"He is still in ICU. We are asking the whole football fraternity to please pray for him so he can make a speedy recovery," Kick Off reported.

The website also reported that Arsenal trio Samkelo Nzimande, Ncebo Ngcobo and Njabulo Madlala were knocked unconscious when the lightning struck during the game.

"There were three other players who were struck by lightning but they are fine now after they were treated in hospital. They've been discharged," Arsenal coach Mondli Dlamini added.

"We were not aware and the weather just changed, and when it rained it was also thunderstorming. When the referee was about to call off the game then the lightning struck. I also don't remember very well what happened because I also saw other players on the floor after the thunderstorm.

"When we took them off the field they were unconscious and they only woke up when they were in hospital. But their situation was not as bad as first feared."

Club operator Quintin Jettoo also told website Soccer Laduma : "We hope that the whole football fraternity keeps him their prayers at this very difficult and crucial time.

"Luyanda is still in [the] hospital, and we will only know more this week. We're hoping for the best, and know that the thoughts of South African football fans are with him." - Uk Mirror