Humble Mamelodi Sundowns Football Star Motjeka Madisha Dies in Car Crash
Tributes have poured in for rising Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Motjeka Madisha who died in a horrific car accident in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to shocked members of his club. Photos and video of the aftermath of the tragic crash, in which the car burst into […]
Tributes have poured in for rising Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Motjeka Madisha who died in a horrific car accident in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to shocked members of his club. Photos and video of the aftermath of the tragic crash, in which the car burst into flames after crashing into a stationery object, have been going viral on social media, calling for more to be done to prevent these devastating road accidents in South Africa.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki have expressed shock and regret following the tragic passing away of the passionate footballer who recently paid tribute on television to his mother, and thanked her for enabling him to follow his dreams.
— Chosen®️ (@MrKwezi) December 13, 2020
Ntseki said he was still trying to come to terms with the news, compounded by former Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca’s equally heart-breaking death.
“It is so devastating for such an up-and-coming player to lose his life this way. They don’t come more professional like the late Madisha. He was ever smiling, humble and was the first to arrive and leave the training ground, hence his rising star status,’’ said a sombre Ntseki.
A second person in the vehicle also died, according to the BBC.
Madisha was a rising football star
Ntseki recalled that Madisha was one of those players who had passed through all age groups until he graduated into Bafana Bafana where he was a pivotal member of the team attempting to reach both the AFCON and FIFA World Cup tournaments.
‘’He was a rising star with the right attitude and his positive attitude among other players was always invaluable.
‘’This is sad for football. To his family, club and football fraternity in general, we are gutted and devastated; my deepest condolences. We are hurt but hope his spirit will be a driving force to our attempts to reach the AFCON and FIFA World Cup tournaments,’’ added Ntseki.
SAFA President, Dr Jordaan said he was at a loss of words especially after he attended Mamelodi Sundowns’s 50th Anniversary on Saturday evening at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Madisha didn’t attend the Saturday function and lost his life a few hours later.
“I am still trying to ascertain facts of what really transpired but this is terrible news for football. Condolences to Sundowns, his family and entire football family,” said Dr Jordaan.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ official Twitter page tweeted: “Unfortunate reports regarding Madisha We have become aware of certain media reports concerning Motjeka Madisha and will make an announcement in due course.”
The SA Football Players Union said: “We are heart broken. The @Masandawana defender passed away in a car accident in Johannesburg, in the early hours of this morning. Our condolences to his family, friends and football fraternity.”
While some social media users called on the football community to do something to prevent these unnecessary deaths, others pointed out that car accidents are a South African problem, not merely a footballers’ one.
#RIPMadisha Very sad thing to happen to anyone pic.twitter.com/DBlQGkkari
— Lawyer @ H💗rt (@LawyerHrt1) December 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/BrianMpofus/status/1338018495125204993
#RIPMadisha
🕊🕊🕊 Rest easy sweeper🙏🏼with full potential pic.twitter.com/Jty3sbtx0h— Chris Plaatjie (@chris_plaatjie) December 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/Thabeloiven02/status/1338071194508070913