Dayo Ade Olusola|M10news|Sports News| 4 November, 2025
Mladen Zizovic, 44, the manager of Serbian SuperLiga side Radnicki 1923, tragically died from a heart attack during a match against Mladost Lucani on Monday, club sources and eyewitnesses have confirmed.
The Bosnian coach collapsed on the sidelines just 22 minutes into the game.
Emergency services attended to him immediately, and he was swiftly transported to hospital, but he was pronounced dead en route.
Collapse During Match
The tragic news spread quickly through the stadium, and the match was abandoned shortly after half-time. Video footage from the game shows players visibly distressed as they learned of Zizovic’s death.
Players Recall Final Moments
Former Bosnia international and Radnicki 1923 player Mehmed Cosic revealed that Zizovic had complained about a fish meal hours before the incident, refusing to finish it. Cosic said the team was left in shock by the sudden loss.
“I didn’t fall asleep until almost 3:30am. We are stunned,” Cosic told Faktor. “He was giving me instructions, then turned to the referee by the benches. At one point, he said ‘I’m not feeling well, I’m not feeling well,’ and then collapsed. You saw everything else in the video that circulated online.”
Cosic added that there were no signs of trouble during the warm-up and that the match had started normally. “He mentioned the fish meal and said he wouldn’t eat it anymore. Nothing else seemed wrong before the game.”
Career and Achievements
Zizovic had recently taken over as manager of Radnicki 1923 on October 23 and had already made a strong impression in the Serbian SuperLiga.
In his short tenure, he led the team to a league victory and demonstrated tactical expertise that earned praise from players and staff alike.
The Bosnian coach was known not only for his strategic mind but also for his calm demeanor on the sidelines and his ability to connect with young players. Several former colleagues described him as a mentor who prioritized teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Before joining Radnicki 1923, Zizovic had managed several clubs across the Balkans, leaving a reputation for developing local talent and achieving results even with limited resources.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the regional football community.
Club and Team Mourn Loss
At the time of the collapse, Radnicki 1923 were leading 2-0, having made a strong start to the match. Cosic described the team’s efforts to continue playing despite their shock.
“We kept playing, hoping the worst wouldn’t happen and that he would be with us again,” Cosic said. “We said we were playing for him and wanted to reward him with a victory. We were in disbelief but didn’t want to disappoint him. We believed he would come back and celebrate with us.”
The club has postponed its upcoming league clash against Cukaricki, along with training sessions, to allow players and staff time to mourn the loss.
FK Radnicki 1923 released a statement expressing condolences: “A man who left a deep mark wherever he worked with his knowledge, calmness and nobility. FK Radnicki 1923 expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who knew Mladen.”
Impact on Fans and Community
News of Zizovic’s passing quickly spread through social media, with fans expressing grief and sharing memories of his coaching achievements. Many supporters praised his dedication to nurturing young players and his commitment to the sport.
Local football clubs in the region have also paid tribute, with some observing a minute’s silence in his honour at matches scheduled later in the week. Zizovic’s death is seen as a profound loss not just to Radnicki 1923 but to the wider football community in Bosnia and Serbia.
Several of his former players and assistants have spoken about how Zizovic inspired them both on and off the field, highlighting his mentorship, professionalism, and genuine care for those around him.
Editing by M10News Sports Desk | Contact: sports@m10news.com
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