Athletes in tears as head coach passes away amid game
Mladen Zizovic was recently appointed of the football club last month
Athletes collapsed on the field weeping as they discovered of their head coach's demise during a contest in Serbia's top flight
FK Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic collapsed and received treatment on the sidelines before being taken to hospital during his side's game at the away venue on the start of the week
The professional game went on but was abandoned moments before the break when news of the manager's demise reached the stadium
Recordings of the contest showed team members and personnel from the competing clubs in emotional pain at the development
Previously a Bosnia and Herzegovina representative player, 44, was recently selected leader of his team on 23 October
"The organization has been deprived of not only a excellent coach but most importantly a good man, a companion, and a athlete who, with his expertise, enthusiasm and character has created lasting memories on the emotions of all who knew him"
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association said its "football community has suffered the loss of one more dedicated sports professional" with his death
"During his extensive athletic journey, Zizovic played for various organizations in the first tier of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most notably HSK Zrinjski Mostar, another team and a third organization, and he furthermore played in the jersey of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team"
"After ending his playing career, he dedicated himself to management, directing organizations in the area and neighboring nations"
"His untimely passing represents a great loss for Bosnian-Herzegovinian football"
"The dedication for soccer and the mark you left will be remembered by all for all time"
Prominent teams also paid tribute, including Red Star Belgrade, who conveyed their "deepest condolences"
