GITEGA – Burundian footballer Igiranez Aime Gueric suddenly collapsed on the pitch during a second division match and died on the way to the hospital.
This was confirmed by the Burundian Football Federation and his club without giving further details. The news was brought by the DPA agency.
Local media also speculate that the cause of death could be a belief in witchcraft. Eyewitnesses said Gueric swallowed the coin during a match between his club Les Guepiers du Lac and LLB Amasipiri Never Give Up.
Aime Bigiraneza, a player for Les Gêpiers du Lac, passed away during a second-division league match in Burundi against Amasipiri Never Give Up FC.
Some reports indicate that the young player had been instructed by coaches to play with a coin in his mouth 🥹💔#Vidasports pic.twitter.com/nt74MvATd0
— vidasports 10🇷🇼💫♥ (@vidaneza10) December 20, 2025
This was reported by Sport News Africa, among others. The coin could be the so-called grigri talisman, which is said to protect the wearer from evil and bring good luck.
According to media reports, grigri is used in witchcraft rituals practiced primarily in West Africa. The source also states that it is still widespread in Burundian football to consult the results of football matches with local magicians and healers.
- Author: © List/
- PHOTO: X/vidasports 10
- Source: TASR
