Footballers in tears as manager dies amid match
The manager only took charge of his team in October
Players fell to the ground in tears as they were informed of their manager's death throughout a contest in the country's premier division
Head coach Mladen Zizovic collapsed and received treatment on the sidelines before being transported to medical facilities during his club's fixture at their opponents' ground on the start of the week
The Serbian SuperLiga match went on but was halted shortly before the interval when news of Zizovic's death arrived at the stadium
Footage of the game showed athletes and staff from each team in grief at the news
Previously a Bosnia and Herzegovina international player, mid-forties, was only appointed leader of his team on 23 October
"The team has suffered the loss of not only a great professional but most importantly a good man, a friend, and a competitor who, with his understanding, vitality and character has made a significant impact on the emotions of all who knew him"
The country's soccer authority said its "sports circle has suffered the loss of one more true football professional" with his passing
"Throughout his lengthy professional experience, the manager was part of numerous clubs in the first tier of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most notably HSK Zrinjski Mostar, Radnik Bijeljina and Borac Banja Luka, and he furthermore played in the uniform of the national squad"
"Following the conclusion of his athletic journey, he committed his time to training, directing organizations in the area and neighboring nations"
"His untimely passing represents a significant blow for the country's soccer"
"The dedication for football and the impact you created will be remembered by all permanently"
Leading clubs furthermore offered sympathies, including the renowned team, who conveyed their "deepest condolences"
