Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois led the flooding in of condolence messages for the late former Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Anele Ngcongca.
Nngcongca died at the age of 33 in the early hours of Monday following a car accident in Durban.
He was due to be unveiled later in the day as an AmaZulu signing on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns and both clubs confirmed the defender's transfer in a joint statement.
An outpouring of tributes from Fifa, Belgian top-flight league clubs, Premier Soccer League clubs, fans, former teammates, opposition players as well as the South African government dominated social media as news of his death spread.
Courtois who played alongside Ngcongca at Belgian side Genk reacted to his former teammate’s passing with a message of sympathy.
Sad to hear former Genkie Anele is no longer with us. Being one of the most enthusiastic players I have ever met, I’ll always remember your smile and will carry your positive mindset with me. We’ll miss you deeply, my friend. My thoughts go out to your family. 🤍 https://t.co/DMbrVx3ONM
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) November 23, 2020
OFFICIAL JOINT STATEMENT!
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) November 23, 2020
AmaZulu FC and Mamelodi Sundowns saddened by the tragic passing of defender Anele Ngcongca. pic.twitter.com/JCZsGI6yMA
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
Kaizer Chiefs has received with deepest sadness the news of the passing of footballer Anele Ngcongca. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, as well as his past and present clubs. Gone too soon. May his soul rest peacefully. pic.twitter.com/L5g4Fq9dWX
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 23, 2020
@orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of footballer Anele Ngcongca.
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) November 23, 2020
On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Ngcongca family.
Rest In Peace.
#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/tOy5cTwERH
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
We’re saddened by the passing of former Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca. Our condolences are with his friends and family.
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) November 23, 2020
RIP Anele. pic.twitter.com/NISgbhJZlV
A Beautiful Soul is Never Be Forgotten. Rest In Peace Bro. pic.twitter.com/M4D4dKM93m
— Willard Katsande (@WillardKatsande) November 23, 2020
We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca. The soccer star was involved in a car accident. Ugqatso ulifezile! #RIPAneleNgcongca
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2020
[Pic:@Masandawana] pic.twitter.com/JhoaTtmEvW
My goodness RIP Tata 🕊 pic.twitter.com/CvpxUznmLB
— Bongani Zungu (@BonganiZungu08) November 23, 2020
PSL conveys heartfelt condolences to the Ngcongca family following the untimely death of defender Anele Ngcongca.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) November 23, 2020
The League is shocked and saddened by these news.
Ngcongca was part of the @Masandawana team that won a treble in the 2019/20 season.
RIP #AneleNgcongca pic.twitter.com/BI3MWGNcww
Anele Ngcongca, who was part of South Africa's 2010 #WorldCup squad and won over 50 caps for @BafanaBafana, has died at the age of just 33.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 23, 2020
Our thoughts are with Anele's loved ones at this very sad time. pic.twitter.com/9KJmLdSIBf
Absolutely devastated to see the news this morning!!
— Dean Furman (@de4no22) November 23, 2020
Fantastic team mate, roommate and great man. So so sad.
Sending my thoughts, prayers & condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Anele pic.twitter.com/2btCKnyzmK
Former KRC Genk player Anele Ngcongca passed away in a car crash. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Pro League (@ProLeagueBE) November 23, 2020
Rest in peace, Anele pic.twitter.com/Z8HxxYuPEC
The passing away of this young talented man, Anele Ngcongca comes as a great shock. I’ve watched him play for our National team and saw dedication and love for country.
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) November 23, 2020
For us who knew him know he wasn’t only a great footballer but a respectful & loving young man. May he RIP. pic.twitter.com/IQBZZWSBbf
— GL_17 (@GeorgeLebese) November 23, 2020
RIP TATA pic.twitter.com/ByErC8lcQb
— Tsholofelo Teko Modise (@thetrueteko) November 23, 2020
RIP: Anele Ngcongca
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) November 23, 2020
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender has passed away. the soccer star was involved in a car accident.
He was 33. #RIPAneleNgcongca pic.twitter.com/IC4nzL94cO
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca who was on loan at Amazulu passed away in a car accident in the early hours of this morning pic.twitter.com/r05RuuxCrb
— Someone's Son (@Mahlatse_mogale) November 23, 2020
RIP Anele Ngcongca, 2020 keeps getting worse #RIPANELENGCONGCA pic.twitter.com/5cNwzns2Gq
— Hermaine M (@HermaineM) November 23, 2020
Rest In Peace Anele Ngcongca
— Masandawana Fan Vlog (@MSFCfanVlog) November 23, 2020
Deepest condolences to his family
You’ll forever be one of us pic.twitter.com/kO4xUsIw4E
Innige deelneming van iedereen bij RSC Anderlecht. We wensen jullie allemaal veel sterkte toe.
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) November 23, 2020
Innige deelneming vanuit de hele Essevee-familie. Heel veel sterkte aan familie en vrienden.
— SV Zulte Waregem (@ESSEVEELIVE) November 23, 2020
Bloemfontein Celtic would like to convey its deepest condolences to the Ngcongca family on the passing of the former Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.#LoveSiwelele pic.twitter.com/8453mNueFe
— Bloemfontein Celtic (@Bloem_Celtic) November 23, 2020
My one and only family in JHB. I can’t imagine how uMother is feeling, their one and only child Sethu and my good friend, Sim. This is definitely the most unexpected and worst thing to happen in 2020. Go well Bhut Anele. Your family LOVED YOU. pic.twitter.com/Pjh6edv0SR
— Zuki (@Zuki_Lamani) November 23, 2020
