Thabang Lebese, the late soccer star from South Africa, died of AIDS-related complications, Kick Off reports. Florence Lebese, his mother, confirmed the cause of death in a statement. After his death last month, the family initially blamed the hospital, Sport 24 reports. When friends told the family of his HIV-positive status, the family issued an apology. “It was his wish to have disclosed his HIV status himself; unfortunately he did not get this opportunity,” his mother said. She also thanked South Africans for their support following her son’s death.

To read the Kick Off article that includes Florence Lebese’s statement, click here.