- Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse paid tribute to former team-mate Anele Ngcongca, who died in a car accident on Monday.
- The 33-year-old was set to be unveiled as the latest signing of AmaZulu.
- Arendse reveals the funny moments he experienced with Ngcongca, whom he occasionally shared a room with during away matches and pre-season camps.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse has opened up on his relationship with former team-mate Anele Ngcongca after the 33-year-old tragically died in a car accident on Monday morning.
The former Bafana Bafana defender was set to be unveiled as AmaZulu's latest signing in the coming days before the transfer window deadline.
Speaking to Sport24 exclusively, Arendse said that the sudden passing of Ngcongca was a shocking revelation.
"Obviously, a good guy, he showed it on the pitch as well with his professionalism. The experience he brought from Europe as well … always good times and laughs, special moments," said Arendse.
"When I heard about his passing this morning, I was quite sad because the two of us had a chat on WhatsApp in the week regarding his move to AmaZulu and all those things.
"I asked him how things were that side, and he said, 'it's nice' and that he is settling in well. I'm quite sad, hopefully he is in a better place now and condolences to his family."
Ironically, less than 24 hours prior to Ngcongca’s passing, Sundowns beat AmaZulu 4-3 in a Premiership clash on Sunday.
Arendse reveals that he asked Ngcongca whether he will be featuring against his former team at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
"He was excited. It was a new chapter for him with a new club, he was looking forward to joining a new team," Arendse continued.
"I even asked him if he is playing this weekend against Sundowns. It would have been nice to see him. He showed me where he was staying as well."
Ngcongca started his career at FC Fortune before being lured abroad to Belgium, where he joined Genk for nine years, appearing more than 200 times for the club.
In 2016, the defender signed for Masandawana and won five major titles – three Premierships crowns (2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20), the Nedbank Cup (2019/20) and a Telkom Knockout title in 2019.
He was set to join AmaZulu on loan for the 2020/21 season.
"When he came to Sundowns for the first time, I knew he was from Cape Town," Arendse recalls.
"He knew a lot of people here, he settled in quite well. His overall experience with us here at Sundowns was unforgettable.
"We were roommates at one time as well and I know Anele was one of those guys who leaves the TV on when his trying to sleep. That was him again, when you want to sleep, he puts the TV on," Arendse laughs.
"It was always fun and laughs (with Anele). He was just a good guy overall in the changing room and obviously his leadership as well because he was a part of the leadership group at Sundowns.
"Just a very good guy," Arendse concludes.