Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois paid tribute to former teammate Anele Ngcongca, who passed away on Monday.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ngcongca died after suffering severe injuries in a car crash in the early hours of Monday morning.
There has been an outpouring of condolence messages for Ngcongca, who died at the tender age of 33 and was on the verge of sealing a loan move to Amazulu.
Courtois was a teammate of Ngcongca at Belgian side Genk when the Cape Town-born player joined the club in 2007.
The Belgium shot-stopper wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear former Genkie Anele is no longer with us.
"Being one of the most enthusiastic players I have ever met, I'll always remember your smile and will carry your positive mindset with me.
"We'll miss you deeply, my friend. My thoughts go out to your family."
Ngcongca is considered a legend at Genk having spent nine years at the club, making 279 appearances and earning him a place in the team of the decade.
The 53-time capped Bafana Bafana international won the Jupiler Pro League, Belgian Cup and Super Cup twice with Genk and is widely considered as one of the club's greatest ever defenders, playing alongside Courtois and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Genk wrote on Twitter on Monday: "We hear the tragic news from Genkie Anele Ngcongca. He died in a car accident.
"In total Anele played no fewer than 279 games for KRC Genk. Our thoughts are with family and friends of our South African ex-player. RIP Anele."
- TEAMtalk media
Sad to hear former Genkie Anele is no longer with us. Being one of the most enthusiastic players I have ever met, I’ll always remember your smile and will carry your positive mindset with me. We’ll miss you deeply, my friend. My thoughts go out to your family. ?? https://t.co/DMbrVx3ONM
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) November 23, 2020