Soccer coach dies in car accident

Bafana Bafana assistant coach Thomas Madigage has passed on, after a car accident in Limpopo last night.

This was confirmed by the police in Limpopo, who said Madigage hit a donkey between Polokwane and Burgersfort.

“We can confirm that he passed away last night between 10pm and midnight,” said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

Madigage was alone in his car on the R37 when a donkey crossed the road.

“There was one car towing a caravan in front of him. That car managed to swerve and avoid the donkey, but he could not. His car hit it.” 

Brigadier Mulaudzi sent his condolences to the Madigage family and the soccer fraternity in South Africa.

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, and announced that there will be a moment of silence at this weekend’s Telkom Knockout and the National First Division (NFD) fixtures – starting with tonight’s TKO fixture between Wits and Kaizer Chiefs.

“On behalf of the NSL clubs and the football family at large, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Thomas Madigage. We are all saddened to hear the news of his passing; he was such a gentlemen.

“Thomas was a man of few words, but he commanded so much respect amongst his peers and the players. It’s a sad day for all of us,” Khoza said.

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said in a statement: “We are shocked... We would like to pass our sincere condolences to the family, friends and the entire nation on this shocking development”.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula paid tribute to Madigage, saying: "Thomas has been an exceptional South African who has contributed a great deal to the sporting landscape of our nation and football in particular.

"Thomas was not only a footballer but also a community developer who believed that he must plough back to his community. This was apparent when he established the TM8 Foundation which is intended at providing much needed support to communities in Limpopo and Mamelodi.

"He will be remembered as a deeply religious man and for his humility and unassuming nature.

"On accepting the role as assistant coach he had this to say 'There were people with better qualifications who deserved this job more than me, but with the grace of God I have the opportunity to serve the nation and I am very thankful. We need the support of the country as this team belongs to every South African'.

"Chincha Guluva, as he was affectionately known and named after Kaizer Motaung, will forever be remembered by all football loving and sportspeople for his colossal contribution to our nation. His legacy must inspire us as a nation to emulate the life of this iconic South African sportsman.

"Rest in peace, Chincha Guluva, hamba kahle."

Madigage was appointed Bafana Bafana assistant coach in July to work with new head coach Gordon Igusend.

Prior to that, Madigage worked as an assistant coach at Premiership side SuperSport United under Pitso Mosimane and later Gavin Hunt.

Madigage started his professional soccer career at Jomo Cosmos as a 16-year-old youngster and went on to play for Bafana Bafana.

He also played in Scotland and Switzerland before coming home to join SuperSport United, which was known as Pretoria City at that time.

Commenting on Madigage's skills as an assistant coach, when he was appointed to the national side, Igesund said: "I went for Tommy Madigage because in my opinion he really is a good coach and I think he can add a lot of value.

"Over the last 10 years or so he's been consistent. He's been assistant coach of a team that likes to win things...

"I think Tommy has not got the recognition he deserves. But he's been, without any doubt, the most successful assistant coach in the country by a long way."

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