Athletes in tears as head coach dies during match
Mladen Zizovic had just assumed leadership of his team last month
Athletes collapsed on the field in tears as they discovered of their coach's passing during a contest in the country's premier division
Team manager the 44-year-old fell suddenly and received treatment pitchside before being rushed to a healthcare center during his team's match at the away venue on recently
The professional game continued but was abandoned moments before the break when news of the coach's passing got to the venue
Footage of the contest showed players and officials from the competing clubs in grief at the tragic information
Previously a Bosnian national team member, forty-four, was only appointed manager of FK Radnicki 1923 on late October
"The team has been deprived of not only a excellent coach but primarily a wonderful human being, a confidant, and a athlete who, with his understanding, energy and character has made a significant impact on the hearts of all who were acquainted with him"
The country's soccer authority said its "sports circle has lost one more dedicated sports professional" with his demise
"During his rich playing career, the coach played for multiple teams in the first tier of the country, especially his former club, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and he furthermore played in the colors of the national squad"
"Following the conclusion of his professional playing days, he committed his time to management, directing clubs in the region and surrounding countries"
"His untimely passing signifies a significant blow for the country's soccer"
"Your love for football and the impact you left will stay in our memories forever"
Leading clubs also paid tribute, including the renowned team, who expressed their "most sincere sympathies"
