Messages of support for Peter Ndlovu flood in as car crash in Zimbabwe leaves former Coventry striker in critical condition

Peter Ndlovu was critically injured in a car crash which killed his brother, Adam, and a currently unidentified female

Messages of support have been sent to former Coventry, Birmingham, and Sheffield United striker Peter Ndlovu after the Zimbabwean was critically injured in a car crash today.

The 39-year-old was in critical condition in hospital in his home city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe after the car he was travelling in to a charity match veered off the road and rolled multiple times.

He was expected to be flown to the country’s capital Harare later today in a helicopter provided by the Zimbabwe Football Association. His brother Adam, 42, died in the crash, along with an unidentified female passenger.

Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirari said: “My prayers are with the Ndlovu family, the football fraternity and the nation at this sad loss.

“Adam and Peter were part of our national football Dream Team in the 1990s and have continued to impart their skills to other young Zimbabwean footballers. They have made a significant contribution to culture in Zimbabwe.

"On behalf of my Office, my family and on my own behalf, I join with so many others who knew Adam, in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing."

Ndlovu was capped 100 times by his country and is currently the national side’s assistant manager.

He spent six years with the Sky Blues, after being spotted playing for his homeland club Highlanders, and scored 39 goals in 176 league appearances.

A statement from the club read:  "It has been reported that both were travelling from an away match between Chicken Inn FC and a local side when Ndlovu's car suffered a tyre blow-out which caused the car to veer off the road 20 kilometres outside Victoria Falls.

"Ndlovu achieved iconic status during his six years with the Sky Blues where he netted 39 goals in 176 (league) appearances for the club.

"Coventry City sends its best wishes and condolences to the Ndlovu family who will be in our thoughts."

Ndlovu left the club in 1997 to join Birmingham City, where he made 137 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 28 goals.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with Birmingham City Football Club are with Peter Ndlovu and his family following news of a serious car crash in Zimbabwe,” the club said in a statement.

"Peter was a very popular player during his time at St Andrew's and we hope he pulls through this difficult time."

He joined Huddersfield Town on loan in the winter of the 2000-01 season before leaving Birmingham on a free the following summer, joining Sheffield United.

He played 154 times for the Bramall Lane club, scoring 29 goals, and left them in July 2004 when he returned to African club football.

His brother Adam also began his career with Highlanders before moving to Europe. He spent seven years in Switzerland between 1994 and 2001, which ended with a spell at FC Zurich. He too turned to coaching, and was coach of top-flight team Chicken Inn.

Zimbabwe sports minister David Coltart offered his condolences on the death of Adam in a message posted on Facebook.

"My prayers are with you, Peter, be strong," he added.