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Non league footballer killed himself aged 26 on day of court appearance

A non league footballer killed himself aged 26 on the same day of a court appearance following a rape allegation, reports state.

Clive Makoni, who started out with Championship club AFC Bournemouth, before playing for numerous clubs further down the English football pyramid, was found dead by a cleaner in an Airbnb property on the 9th of September 2020.

This was due to appear in court charged with rape and two sexual assault offences and inquest has heard.

Southampton have-a-go hero Clive Makoni angry as car raider given a caution | Daily Echo

He was accused of rape and two offences of sexual assault following an incident involving a woman at the London Bridge Hotel in London in August last year.

His ex-girlfriend said he never knew for definite whether he was guilty or not as he said there had been booze involved in the incident.

Makoni had nonetheless decided to plead guilty to spare his parents a trial, a hearing in Winchester heard.

The former striker had been suffering from anxiety as a result of the allegation and was getting counselling for it, Ms Young said.

She said: “He always said he didn’t know what had happened because alcohol was involved.

“He said he would go through the motions and plead guilty so his mother and sisters do not have to go through it all during a trial.”

She added: “It wasn’t fair, you can’t just say guilty, it has to be innocent until proven guilty.”

Mr Makoni had previously played for Bashley, Dorchester Town, AFC Totton and Winchester City.

Describing him, Ms Young added: “He used to play for Bournemouth, he came up through the academy then his football career ended, then he came to university where we met, he studied sports management before doing an MBA.

“To know Clive was to love Clive, everyone loved him, just his presence, he had such an impact on everyone’s lives.

“Whatever you needed, he was someone you would turn to for advice, he was the life of the party, he was exactly what you needed him to be, one of the best people.”

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Jason Pegg said: “Clive was clearly a talented footballer and also talented academically.

“Clive’s relationship with Ms Young was blighted when he faced allegations in the criminal court and that had an impact on their relationship.”

Fawley and Tadley players pay tribute – Photo Credit: @idolisingelisha

He added: “The impact of these allegations made against Clive, and they are indeed allegations, caused Clive to suffer from anxiety and he was struggling to sleep, the allegations were playing on his mind.

“It’s quite clear from the evidence before me that it’s more likely than not that Clive did intend to take his own life.”

The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch.

Before hearing that the non league footballer killed himself aged 26 on day of court appearance, fans gave their reaction…

@LSaunders1995: Gutted to hear the news of Clive Makoni, the world has lost a true gent & kind soul. My thoughts go out to your family and closest friends.

@WCFC_Fans: We’ve just heard the terrible news about the passing of former City player Clive Makoni. Thoughts go out to his family & friends.

memorial site for Clive
Image: HNP Picture Desk/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd

@BisterneUtd: RIP Clive Makoni. All of us from Ferndown FC send our condolences to his family and close friends.

@tadleycallevafc: We are shocked and heartbroken to announce the passing of striker Clive Makoni. All of us at Tadley Calleva FC wish to pass our deepest condolences to Clive’s family and friends at this very sad time

@irmshire: So sad. I didn’t know Clive personally. He was one of my favourite players. I could see he was special by his attitude and how popular he was on and off the pitch. I will remember Clive every visit to @tadleycallevafc.

@RJJones03: One of the most talented, humble & kindest individuals I have come across in football. Was privileged to share a dressing room with. Thoughts and prayers with Clive’s family at this difficult time

@jordmagic: One of the best blokes I have ever shared a pitch with. Helped me so much as a person and on the pitch and I will never forget what he done for me. He was an amazing guy and will be truly missed. My condolences to his family and close friends #RIPCliveMakoni

@chrishollis92: Really shocking news I only got to speak with Clive a handful of times that’s all it took really for me to know he was a good man, thoughts with the family at this sad time

@sanuk736: Sad, sad news. A talented and caring young man who was held in high esteem both on and off the pitch. Taken from us far too soon. Deepest condolences to Clive’s family and friends #RIPCliveMakoni

@munday66shaun: Super super Clive super Clive makoni RIP fella

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