The IFP in the province said the loss of Ngcongca was devastating.
"The news of the passing of the former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns defender has shattered the country, and the soccer fraternity as a whole. Much more was still expected from this talented player as he had just signed a lucrative contract with AmaZulu FC uSuthu Olumabhesh’ ankone last Friday. The lanky Cape Town-born defender will be remembered for his exceptional gift, which saw him flying the SA flag overseas in the Belgian KSV Roeselare, and many other teams."
The party said the accident has reopened the wounds created by the loss of many other sports stars in various sporting codes whose flourishing careers were tragically cut short in road accidents.
"It is devastating that road accidents continue to rob us of our young talent. The IFP would like to send heartfelt condolences to Anele’s family, soccer fans, Sundowns FC and the AmaZulu FC CEO, Dr Sandile Zungu, who recently assumed ownership of the KwaZulu-Natal based club. We hope this tragic accident will not lessen his motivation to grow the team. May Anele Ngcongca's soul rest in peace."
Tributes are pouring in for the 33-year-old player:
Former Bafana Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca, 33, dies in KZN car crash
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca, who had recently been released to play for AmaZulu, has been killed in a vehicle accident in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Paul Herbst of IPSS Medical Rescue said paramedics responded to a single vehicle roll-over on the N2 near Mtunzini.
"On arrival of IPSS advanced life support paramedics, they found an adult male lying approximately 30m from the wrecked vehicle. The man showed no signs of life and was declared dead by paramedics."
Herbst said the female driver trapped in the wreckage and sustained critical injuries.
"While under the care of advanced life support paramedics, rescue crews used the jaws of life to free the woman from the wreckage. Once freed, she was transported to a nearby private hospital for further care."
Herbst confirmed the deceased was a former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns soccer player.
"Our condolences to his friends and family. We wish the injured woman a speedy recovery."
A traffic officer, not authorised to speak to the media, also confirmed the news to TimesLIVE.
“It happened near Fairbreeze on the N2. A woman had been driving a white BMW. The male passenger was flung from the vehicle and was pronounced dead upon arrival of paramedics. The driver is currently in a critical condition and was transported to hospital.”
The crash occurred early on Monday.
It is understood the vehicle had been travelling southbound towards Durban when the driver lost control of and veered down a steep embankment.
Police spokesperson Brig Jay Naicker said: "It is alleged this morning at 5am, a vehicle with two occupants lost control and overturned on the N2 freeway near Mtunzini.
"A 33-year-old man was declared dead at the scene. The driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for medical attention.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. A case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation by Mtunzini police ."
AmaZulu spokesperson Brilliant Mkhantini said he was yet to confirm details of the incident.
The IFP in the province said the loss of Ngcongca was devastating.
"The news of the passing of the former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns defender has shattered the country, and the soccer fraternity as a whole. Much more was still expected from this talented player as he had just signed a lucrative contract with AmaZulu FC uSuthu Olumabhesh’ ankone last Friday. The lanky Cape Town-born defender will be remembered for his exceptional gift, which saw him flying the SA flag overseas in the Belgian KSV Roeselare, and many other teams."
The party said the accident has reopened the wounds created by the loss of many other sports stars in various sporting codes whose flourishing careers were tragically cut short in road accidents.
"It is devastating that road accidents continue to rob us of our young talent. The IFP would like to send heartfelt condolences to Anele’s family, soccer fans, Sundowns FC and the AmaZulu FC CEO, Dr Sandile Zungu, who recently assumed ownership of the KwaZulu-Natal based club. We hope this tragic accident will not lessen his motivation to grow the team. May Anele Ngcongca's soul rest in peace."
Tributes are pouring in for the 33-year-old player:
TimesLIVE
READ MORE: