Footballers weeping as coach succumbs in the middle of fixture
Mladen Zizovic had just assumed leadership of FK Radnicki 1923 just weeks ago
Team members dropped to their knees weeping as they discovered of their coach's passing throughout a contest in the country's premier division
Team manager the 44-year-old fell suddenly and underwent emergency care on the sidelines before being taken to hospital during his club's fixture at Mladost Lucani on the start of the week
The top-tier contest continued but was halted shortly before half-time when news of the coach's passing got to the venue
Recordings of the game showed players and officials from both sides in emotional pain at the tragic information
Previously a Bosnia and Herzegovina national team member, mid-forties, was just named head coach of his team on October 23rd
"Our club has suffered the loss of not only a outstanding specialist but above all a decent person, a friend, and a competitor who, with his knowledge, enthusiasm and character has created lasting memories on the souls of all who were acquainted with him"
The country's soccer authority said its "sports circle has been deprived of an additional true football professional" with his passing
"During his rich playing career, the manager represented multiple teams in the top division of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and he furthermore played in the jersey of the national squad"
"After ending his professional playing days, he dedicated himself to management, guiding clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and surrounding countries"
"The premature death represents a significant blow for the country's soccer"
"Your love for soccer and the mark you left will be remembered by all forever"
Major organizations additionally expressed condolences, including Red Star Belgrade, who passed on their "most sincere sympathies"
