JOHANNESBURG – The death of American basketball legend Kobe Bryant has rocked the sporting world, with a host of African sports stars paying tribute to the icon.
The 41-year-old Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday, and were among nine people who lost their lives on the doomed aircraft.
Liverpool and Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah were among those who paid tribute with the news of Bryant’s passing.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident,” Salah tweeted.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 26, 2020
Kenyan world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge tweeted: “I join the whole world and sporting fraternity in mourning the death of NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter in a fatal helicopter crash in the United States.
“My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
“Rest in peace Kobe.”
I join the whole world and sporting fraternity in mourning the death of NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter in a fatal helicopter crash in the United States.
— Eliud Kipchoge - EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) January 27, 2020
My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
Rest in peace Kobe pic.twitter.com/qN3gpbmn6D
Ivory Coast and Chelsea football legend Didier Drogba first tweeted:
“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo - (alongside a row of broken heart and shocked emoticons) - ending with the words: “I just can’t believe it”
He later tweeted again to say: “It hurts so bad "my thoughts and condolences to your family @kobebryant
“Thank you for all the advices and stories we shared. Man you are a true Champion and a great man. May you and your lovely daughter rest in Heaven.”
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/kobebryant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kobebryant
Thank you for all the advices and stories we shared, Man you are a true Champion and a great Man
May you and your lovely daughter rest in Heaven 🙏🏾 #blackmamba #kobe pic.twitter.com/wtvKl5iQDu
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba)
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada tweeted: “Gone too soon but a legacy that will live forever. RIP legend.”
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— Kagiso Rabada (@KagisoRabada25)
South African golf legend Ernie Els tweeted: “Tragic news of Kobe!!”