DURBAN – Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning following a horrific car accident.
Madisha’s sudden death at the age of 25 has left many in the soccer community shocked, especially as it came just over two weeks following the passing of his former team-mate Anele Ngcongca, also in a car accident.
After starting his professional career with M Tigers FC in 2014, Madisha went on to play for Highlands Park where he proved his credibility in the top-flight. It took just a year before he earned a move to local football giants Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.
Madisha’s death has left the entire country shocked. The 13 times capped Bafana Bafana international was set to become a first-team regular in the national team.
Rival clubs and local personalties took to social media platform Twitter to express their sympathies.
ALSO READ: Tragedy as Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha dies
“The Premier Soccer League is saddened by the tragic death of Motjeka Madisha - a humble and promising talent,” the PSL said on its official Twitter page earlier on Sunday.
“The young diski challenge product had a great future ahead of him. Our condolences to @Masandawana and the Madisha family.”
The Premier Soccer League is saddened by the tragic death of Motjeka Madisha- a humble and promising talent .
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) December 13, 2020
The young diski challenge product had a great future ahead of him. Our condolences to @Masandawana and the Madisha family. pic.twitter.com/xZfcaHnRXF
Orlando Pirates, who lost 21-year-old star striker Lesley Manyathela to a car accident in 2003, wrote: “@orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of footballer Motjeka Madisha.
“On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Madisha family,” the newly crowned MTN8 champions tweeted.
☠ @orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of footballer Motjeka Madisha.
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) December 13, 2020
On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Madisha family.
Rest In Peace.
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/jkUHn8UFbn
Among those who also sent condolences was KZN Midlands outfit Maritzburg United, who have tragically lost three players over the last four years – two in car accidents and one struck by lightning.
“The club is saddened to hear of the passing of @Masandawana and @BafanaBafana defender Motjeka Madisha,” the Team of Choice Tweeted.
“Rest well, Motjeka.”
The club is saddened to hear of the passing of @Masandawana and @BafanaBafana defender Motjeka Madisha.
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) December 13, 2020
Rest well, Motjeka 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/l1UlIAtmzX
Durban-based AmaZulu, who Ngcongca was meant to join on loan before the accident that also claimed his life, also tweeted, saying: “On behalf of the AmaZulu FC team and supporters. We would like to send our deepest condolences to @Masandawana, family, and friends of Motjeka Madisha. May his soul Rest In Peace.
On behalf of the AmaZulu FC team and supporters. We would like to send our deepest condolences to @Masandawana, family, and friends of Motjeka Madisha. May his soul Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/LNH9pZuGfR
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) December 13, 2020
There were others
Another day, another tragedy on South African roads! 🤯
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) December 13, 2020
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha has been killed in a car crash. May his soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏾
Former Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca who also passed away in a car accident was buried on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/MhfmBHjjWI
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Motjeka Madisha. Our thoughts and prayers are with @Masandawana, his family, friends and the entire football fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.#LoveSiwelele💚✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/XmKW8xj6h3
— Bloemfontein Celtic (@Bloem_Celtic) December 13, 2020
Tragic news from South Africa. Our thoughts go out to Motjeka's loved ones and all at @Masandawana and @BafanaBafana. https://t.co/NuYptYnOHh
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 13, 2020
IOL Sport