South Africa coach dies in car crash

ACCIDENT ... Thomas Madigage

SOUTH AFRICAN football is in shock after the national team’s assistant coach died in a car crash.

Bafana Bafana No2 Thomas Madigage, aged 40, passed away after an accident involving a stray donkey last night.
South African Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani said: “We are shocked and at a loss for words.”
Oldham and current Bafana Bafana midfielder Dean Furman tweeted: "Shocked & devastated 2 hear of the passing of bafana assistant coach Tommy Madigage.
"Thoughts & prayers are with his family at this sad time."
Former Charlton striker Shaun Bartlett added: "With great sadness we have to say goodbye to another SA legend. See you soon my friend Thomas Madigage. Condolences to the Madigage family."
Mark Fish, who played for Bolton and Charlton, wrote on Twitter: "I am in complete shock!!
"Thomas Madigage was a great footballer and always a true gent to me!!Love you bud and will miss you!!RESPECT!!RIP!!!"
South African president Jacob Zuma said his death was a loss to the country.
He said: "On the field we remember his speed and agility as well as the ability to shoot and score from a very long distance."
Head coach Gordon Igesund appointed the former national midfielder as assistant coach in July.
At the time, he said: “Tommy Madigage is without a doubt the most successful assistant coach in this country in the last 10 years.”
Madigage was declared dead at the scene of the crash which happened between 10pm and midnight.
Police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said: “We can confirm that Mr Madigage passed away last night.
“It was an accident. He was alone. There was a stray donkey that was crossing the road.”
Madigage played for FC Zurich from 1995 to 1996 and several other clubs before his retirement in 2002.
He then worked as assistant coach at local club SuperSport United until July, helping the team win several league titles before joining Bafana Bafana.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter wrote to the South African FA.
He said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the tragic passing of Thomas Madigage.
“On behalf of FIFA and the worldwide family of football, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you, to your national team, to his club SuperSport United and, most importantly, to his family, friends and loved ones.
“We would hope that in some way, our words of support may help bring a little bit of peace and solace in this time of sadness.”