Coach and family pay tribute to Munno Para Soccer Club young gun Tumayine ‘Timmy’ Ndabarinze

A player from one of Adelaide’s biggest soccer clubs has been remembered for his easy going and kind nature as his coach urges others to reach out for help.

A talented young soccer player is being remembered as a genuine and down to earth young man who was admired by everyone.

Popular Munno Para Soccer Club player Tumayine Ndabarinze – known as Timmy to his teammates – died last Thursday, tragically taking his own life at the age of 20.

Tumayine had been part of the major Northern suburbs club since 2018 after spending time with the Appollo Football Club in Mount Gambier and the Modbury Vista Soccer Club, and was gradually making his way up the senior ranks despite a number of injuries.

Coach Keith Woolman said the club and surrounding community were “gobsmacked” by the tragedy.

“We can’t quite believe it,” Woolman said.

“Timmy was such a genuine, down to earth guy. Just a really thorough gentleman.

Tumayine Ndabarinze sadly died last Thursday after taking his own life. Picture: Supplied, Rachel Nyiramugisha

Tuyamine during his time at Appollo Football Club. Picture: Rachel Nyiramugisha

“He was quite injury prone, but he was a really talented player on the ball who we could play all over the park and would have made the first team judging by his fast development.”

While Tumayine was talented on the field, he quickly became a popular member of Munno Para for his presence off it.

Woolman said he was a pleasure to spend time with.

“Everyone loved him to bits. He had time for every person he came across and was very easy going, just such a lovely lad.

“He had such a big impact and will be sadly missed by us all.”

His family — parents Samuel and Grace, and sisters Rachel, Jennifer, Safi and Wazadi and brother William — said there they were not aware Tumayine had been struggling.

Tumayine (front, third from right) with his Munno Para Soccer Club teammates. His brother, William is pictured back, left. Picture: Munno Para Soccer Club

“It’s been a huge shock — as a family we’ve tried to figure out if there were signs of mental health issues we might have missed but he was always his usual happy self,” sister Rachel said.

“We always made sure to let him know we were here for him if he ever needed but he never disclosed any issues to us.”

Rachel reflected on the kind nature of her brother.

“My favourite thing about Tumayine was no matter how old you were, he could have a conversation with you. Whatever he said was so intelligent and profound,” she said.

“He was a lover of all sorts of music and sport and got so much enjoyment out of playing.

“He was so charismatic that you could not help but want to be friends with him.”

Woolman said Tumayine’s passing served as a reminder of the role sporting clubs could play in supporting their players.

“It goes to show you never know if someone is really struggling and I think that across sport we need to ask each other if we’re OK more often and check in with people,” he said.

“We’re a big club, and we’ve got a great culture and look after each other but it shows we might still have work to do in this space.

“We’re deeply saddened.”

Tumayine’s family has set up a GoFundMe to support them with funeral and memorial services.

If you would like to donate your support, visit this link.

The Suicide Call Back service is on 1300 659 467 and Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.