RIP Anele Ngcongca
|Published
SUCCESS: Anele Ngcongca
One of Cape football’s brightest lights, Anele Ngcongca, went out on Monday, when he tragically died in a car crash.
The 33-year-old Gugulethu-born rightback enjoyed a successful career, winning silverware in Belgium and South Africa as well as representing Bafana Bafana 53 times, including at the 2010 World Cup.
Ngcongca reportedly succumbed to his injuries after an accident on the N2 between Richards Bay and Durban, en route to his unveiling as an AmaZulu player on a loan deal from PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won three league titles.
In a joint statement from Downs and AmaZulu, they said: “[We] extend our deepest condolences to the Ngcongca family, former clubs, teammates… as well as everyone who was touched by the life of this exceptional football ambassador.”
A laaitie from NY12 in Gugs, Ngcongca started playing his football with local teams Aces United, Cape Town Pirates and FC Fortune, where his career would take off.
Taken for a trial at Arsenal, Ngcongca impressed former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger enough to recommended him to Belgian club Genk in 2007.
He spent nine seasons at the club, winning the league title in 2010/11 – alongside current Premier League Player of the Year Kevin de Bruyne, who posted a picture of Ngcongca on Instagram captioned “RIP my friend”.
The Belgian club tweeted: “We hear the tragic news from Genkie Anele Ngcongca. He died in a car accident. In total, Anele played no fewer than 279 games for KRC Genk. Our thoughts are with family and friends of our South African ex-player.”
We vernemen het tragische nieuws van Genkie Anele Ngcongca. Hij overleed in een auto-ongeluk. In totaal speelde Anele maar liefst 279 wedstrijden voor KRC Genk. Onze gedachten zijn bij familie en vrienden van onze Zuid-Afrikaanse ex-speler. 😢
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) November 23, 2020
RIP Anele 💙#krcgenk #mijnploeg pic.twitter.com/zLAPidYicn
Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Tributes on social media
Bafana Bafana: “Our condolences on the untimely passing away of former Bafana Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca… May his soul RIP.”
Our condolences on the untimely passing away of former Bafana Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca, who died in a car accident this morning.
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 23, 2020
May his soul RIP. pic.twitter.com/dCpxLu47Cz
Robert Marawa: “He formed strong bonds, friendships and played with the best in the world... A polite gentleman and a brilliant talent. Condolences to the family, friends and teammates. This is so sad.”
He formed strong bonds, friendships and played with the best in the world..... A polite gentleman and a brilliant talent.
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) November 23, 2020
Condolences to the family, friends and teammates. This is so sad.#RIPANELENGCONGCA @Masandawana 🙏🏾💔🙏🏾
📸: Trompies pic.twitter.com/qWr9ui7iJ9
Julia Stuart: “One of the best SA has produced. A huge loss to the football fraternity. Condolences to his loved ones and the @Masandawana family.”
One of the best SA has produced. A huge loss to the football fraternity. Condolences to his loved ones and the @Masandawana family. #RIPANELENGCONGCA pic.twitter.com/UNmpDLuteh
— Julia Stuart (@JuliaStuart_SA) November 23, 2020
Dane Piedt: “You Anele Ngcongca. Sad News.”
Yoh Anele Ngcongca 😢🌿 sad news. #RIP
— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) November 23, 2020
Hlompho Kekana: “Rest in peace my brother.”
Rest in peace my brother 😭😭😭😭😭😭😔😔😔 pic.twitter.com/k4la1BQx2c
— Hlompho Kekana (@Hlompho_Kekana) November 23, 2020
Khama Billiat: “Rest In Peace brother.”
Rest In Peace brother🙏🏿❤️#ripanele🕊 pic.twitter.com/NIXwiGo1d6
— Khama Billiat Official (@khama_Billiat11) November 23, 2020