Coventry legend Ndlovu 'out of danger' after fatal car crash kills his brother



Former Premier League forward Peter Ndlovu was in a Bulawayo hospital with serious injuries on Sunday night after a car crash which claimed the life of his brother and fellow Zimbabwe footballer Adam.



Peter Ndlovu, 39, had playing spells in England with Coventry, for whom he starred in the top flight, plus Birmingham, Huddersfield and Sheffield United, before returning to African club football in 2004.



The crash that caused his brother's death occurred late last night. The skilful attacker left Highlanders in his homeland to join Coventry in 1991, and stayed at Highfield Road until 1997.

Horror: The smashed-up BMW X5 on the side of the road that was reportedly driven by Adam Ndlovu

A statement from the club, now in npower League One, read: 'Coventry City Football Club is saddened to hear of a tragic road accident in Zimbabwe that has left former striker Peter Ndlovu in a critical condition and claimed the life of his brother Adam.

'It has been reported that both were travelling from an away match between Chicken Inn FC and a local side when Ndlovu's car suffered a tyre blow-out which caused the car to veer off the road 20 kilometres outside Victoria Falls.



'Ndlovu achieved iconic status during his six years with the Sky Blues where he netted 39 goals in 176 (league) appearances for the club.



'Coventry City sends its best wishes and condolences to the Ndlovu family who will be in our thoughts.'

Zimbabwean media carried pictures of a severely damaged car, reported to have been the vehicle carrying the Ndlovu brothers home from a football match.

A spokeswoman for the Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, where Peter Ndlovu was being treated, said she could offer no details of his condition, following reports he had broken both legs.



Hero: Peter Ndlovu starred for Coventry (left) in the Premier League before joining Birmingham

Ndlovu's former agent Winston Makamure told BBC Sport: 'Peter is now out of danger. He is now conscious and is communicating. 'He has internal injuries, head injuries, broken ribs and a broken leg.'

Adam Ndlovu, who was 42 years old, also began his playing career with Highlanders before moving to Europe, in his case spending seven years in Switzerland between 1994 and 2001, culminating in a spell with FC Zurich.

Peter Ndlovu's second club in England was Championship side Birmingham, who released a statement which read: 'The thoughts of everyone associated with Birmingham City Football Club are with Peter Ndlovu and his family following news of a serious car crash in Zimbabwe.



'Peter was a very popular player during his time at St Andrew's and we hope he pulls through this difficult time.'

Tragedy: Adam Ndlovu - who played for Zimbabwe - died in the car crash

Ndlovu made 137 appearances and netted 28 times in all competitions for the Blues. He joined Huddersfield on loan over the winter of 2000-01, scoring four goals in six games for the Yorkshire club, and left Birmingham on a permanent basis in February 2001 when he joined Sheffield United on a free.



He played 154 times for the Bramall Lane club, scoring 29 goals, and left them in July 2004 when he returned to African club football.



The Blades released a statement on their official Twitter feed which read: 'Our thoughts are with former player Peter Ndlovu, who has been critically injured in a car accident in his native Zimbabwe.'

Peter Ndlovu was capped 100 times by Zimbabwe, and his country's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, sent his condolences to the family via his official Twitter account.



'I am deeply saddened at the passing on of soccer legend, Adam Ndlovu, who was taken away from us in the horror crash that left his young brother, Peter, in hospital,' Tsvangirai said.



'I wish Peter a speedy recovery. 'Adam and Peter were part of our national football Dream Team in the 1990s and have continued to impart their skills to other young Zimbabwean footballers. They have made a significant contribution to culture in Zimbabwe.



'My prayers are with the Ndlovu family, the football fraternity and the nation at this sad loss. 'On behalf of my Office, my family and on my own behalf, I join with so many others who knew Adam, in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing.'

VIDEO: A classic Peter Ndlovu goal from 1995 - a contender for MOTD goal of the season...



