Emmanuel Gérish, a player for Burundi's second division club 'Le Giber du Lac', died last Saturday after collapsing during an official match. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His teammates reported that he died from choking on a coin he had hidden in his mouth as a 'voodoo' charm to bring good luck. According to details, the Burundi Football Federation issued an official statement confirming the incident occurred during his team's match against 'LLP Amasipiri Never Give Up' at the National Technical Centre in Njagara. The Federation expressed its deep sorrow and condolences to the player's family, his club, and the country's football fans, noting that the medical teams intervened quickly to save his life, but the efforts failed during his transfer to the hospital. While the Federation has not officially announced the direct cause of death, Russia Today, citing Burundian media including public radio Africa, relayed testimonies from the player's teammates. They revealed that Gérish lost consciousness due to acute suffocation after swallowing a coin he was keeping in his mouth. This practice is known in some African circles as 'charms' or magical rituals believed to offer protection or good luck. However, it is strictly prohibited in Burundian football regulations, just like all rituals associated with what is known as 'voodoo'.
"I lost my friend and teammate. We are all in shock," one of the players was quoted as saying by a local radio station.