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THE LAST CHASE: Anele Ngcongca died yesterday morning in a horrific car crash in KwaZulu-Natal. Photo by BackpagePix
THE LAST CHASE: Anele Ngcongca died yesterday morning in a horrific car crash in KwaZulu-Natal. Photo by BackpagePix

A SAD day in South Africa football.

Messages of sorrow were the order of the day yesterday with football fans, authorities and players paying tribute to the fallen AmaZulu defender, Anele Ngcongca, who died in a car crash on N2 highway near Mtunzini, KZN yesterday morning.

In a joint statement with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu expressed their sad reality that the 33-year-old is no more, just after signing him from the Brazilians.

“AmaZulu and Sundowns extend their deepest condolences to the Ngcongca family, former clubs, teammates, supporters, and the broader football fraternity as well as everyone who was touched by the life of this exceptional football ambassador,” said both clubs in a statement.

“At this point both clubs would like to request that maximum privacy be afforded to the Ngcongca family during this very difficult time and allow the pertinent authorities to conduct the relevant investigations.”

The PSL also consoled the Ngcongca family about the loss of the Bafana Bafana star: “He will be remembered for his contribution on the field where he played a crucial role at Sundowns and also his humility off the field.”

Safa president Danny Jordaan said he was left shattered after receiving news.

“This 2020 has been a terrible year – economically, socially and we have lost many of our beloved ones. Anele’s death just sums up this dreadful year,’’ said Jordaan.

His agent Mike Makaab said: “My heart is sore. I have lost my son, Anele Ngcongca, a young man with whom I shared a special relationship for over a decade. May his beautiful soul rest in peace. My prayers are with his family. May God give them strength during this difficult time.”

Former sports minister, Fikile Mbalula, added his message to the family: “Am terribly hurt. Why are good people leaving us? Anele did not deserve to die. It’s sad.

“The passing away of this young talented man comes as a great shock. May he RIP.”

Fifa, through its World Cup Twitter account, said: “Our thoughts are with Anele’s loved ones at this very sad time.” Ngcongca spent the bulk of his club career with KRC Genk in Belgium, where he played with stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois.

“Sad to hear former Genkie Anele is no longer with us. Being one of the most enthusiastic players I have ever met, I’ll always remember your smile and will carry your positive mindset with me. We’ll miss you deeply, my friend. My thoughts go out to your family,” said Courtois on Twitter.

De Bruyne wrote: “RIP my friend.”

  • Orlando Pirates: “Saddened by the passing of footballer Ngcongca... we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy. Rest in Peace.”
  • Kaizer Chiefs: “... has received with deepest sadness the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, as well as his past and present clubs. Gone too soon.”
  • Cape Town City: “We’re saddened by the passing of former Sundowns defender. Our condolences are with his friends and family. RIP Anele.”
  • SuperSport United: “Our deepest condolences to the families, friends and football fraternity for the tragic loss of former Bafana and Sundowns defender. May his soul rest in peace.”
  • Cape Town Spurs: “We’d like to send our deepest and most sincere condolences to the friends and family.”
  • Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila: “A great loss to the football nation. A greater loss to the Ngcongca family. Rest in Peace Anele. Mishumo yanu ro i vhona.”
  • Dean Furman: “Absolutely devastated to see the news this morning. Fantastic teammate, roommate and great man. So so sad. Sending my thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family and friends.”
  • Panyaza Lesufi: “Vaya sharp, Ntwana! You made your football mark. 50 caps is not a child’s play. Condolences to your family, friends and teammates.”
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