Bongani Dlamini has died following a short illness ©ITF

South African wheelchair tennis player Bongani Dlamini has died following a short illness.

Dlamini, who was 36, passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed with meningitis and tuberculosis.

He represented South Africa at the World Team Cup in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, whilst he also won 13 International Tennis Federation quad singles titles and reached a singles rankings high of number 14 in 2014.

Other notable achievements include winning the 2015 Bucharest Open and the 2016 Arizona Open quad singles events.

Dlamini's last tournament was the 2017 Soweto Open, where he finished as runner-up to compatriot Danny Mohlamonyane.

Bongani Dlamini won 13 quad singles titles in his career ©KZN Tennis Association
Bongani Dlamini won 13 quad singles titles in his career ©KZN Tennis Association

Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) manager Karen Losch paid tribute to Dlamini.

"We have lost another giant, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news about Bongani's passing," she said.

"He was a talented and determined player. 

"We have special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everyone at WTSA.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with the Dlamini and the WTSA family during this tough time, may the soul of our champ rest in eternal peace."