Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngconga has died in a car accident on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Monday morning. Sources say a female driver of the car Ngcongca was in, has been hospitalised.
33-year-old Ngcongca, who signed for the Brazilians in 2016, had agreed to be loaned to AmaZulu for a year, with the option of making the move permanent next season.
However, AmaZulu had not yet officially unveiled the player before his passing. The team was expected to unveil Ngcongca this week.
The defender joined Sundowns after his return from France’s League 1 team, Troyes. His international career began in Belgium where he played for KRC Genk, the team with which he won the Pro League and the Belgian Cup.
With Sundowns, Ngcongca won three ABSA Premiership titles, CAF Super Cup, the Telkom Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.
He also earned 53 caps with Bafana Bafana, featuring in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations for the national team.
Tributes have poured in for the late defender.
Anele Ngcongca has passed away in car accident. #RIPAnele
3 times a Premiership Winner in SA
Belgium League Winner
CAF Super Cup Winner
Over 50 caps for Bafana BafanaThe loss to South African Football is immeasurable
To his family, friends @Masandawana
My deepest Condolences pic.twitter.com/Yo6JZKUqAw— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) November 23, 2020
We’re saddened by the passing of former Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca. Our condolences are with his friends and family.
RIP Anele. pic.twitter.com/NISgbhJZlV
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) November 23, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the families, friends and football fraternity for the tragic loss of former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca. May his soul rest in peace ?#RIPAnele pic.twitter.com/HnozNvTBvN
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) November 23, 2020
You saved us well Mfanakithi, hamba kahle ????
Anele Ngcongca pic.twitter.com/YzuHRDUFFK
— Nhlanhla Hlabisa (@matekihlabisa) November 23, 2020
May your soul rest in peace Anele Ngcongca …?️ pic.twitter.com/Xc3ZVrIzhn
— Katlego Maseng ? (@KatlegoMaseng1) November 23, 2020