Monday | November 23, 2020
Anele Ngcongca has passed away at a tender age of 33.
The South Africa (SA) international footballer met his untimely death Monday morning in a car accident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), according to SAfm.
The driver – identified as a lady – lost control of the car (BMW) and it veered off the road, causing it to overturn, according to the police cited by Sowetan. Ngcongco was flung out of the car and certified dead by the emergency personnel upon arrival; the lady sustained serious injuries and she is receiving medical attention, the report said.
Recently, Ngcongco joined AmaZulu FC in the new (2020/2021) season from the flamboyant Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
The former Sundowns defender had stints in major leagues in Europe, mainly in Belgium. His longest stay (2007-2016) was in the Belgian First Division A where he played for Koninklijk Racing Club Genk. He won the Belgian Cup in 2008/2009 period. The highest honours would come in the 2010/2011 season, lifting both the league and the Belgian Super Cup.
His 2015/2016 loan-spell at Troyes AC in the French League 1 would see him return to Belgium only to exit in the same year period.
Born and bred in Cape Town, he would later journey back home and spend four seasons at the Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns FC. He won several trophies, including the three league titles. Quite recently, Ngcongca was central to the 2019/2020 treble at the club before joining AmaZulu.
Using their usual Twitter account – @Masandawana, Sundowns extended their condolences:
“The President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Masandawana Family express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anele Ngcongca who passed away today.”
International tributes
The passing of the youghtful Anele Ngcongco was hard to believe that he is indeed gone, for good. Tributes poured from far and wide.
Numbed by disbelief, his former head coach at Mamelodi Sundowns Pitso Mosimane, now in Egyptian colossus Al Ahly’s dugout, paid his fitting last respects. In a moving pithy, so did the club.
Condolences came as far as Europe where he showcased his talent the most. His erstwhile club remembered and eulogized him.
Global stars of Kevin De Bruyne and Phillip Courteur’s illuminating stature hopped in with their heartfelt memories and sympathies for their ex teammate. An irrefutable hallmark of a well-traveled player of outstanding note.