South African football star Motjeka Madisha has died in a car crash aged just 25.
The Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana centre-back was involved in the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in Johannesburg.
Tributes have poured in online after the tragic incident.
The South African Football Players Union wrote: “RIP #MotjekaMadisha, we are heartbroken.
“The @Masandawana defender passed away in a car accident in Johannesburg, in the early hours of this morning.
“Our condolences to his family, friends and football fraternity.”
South Africa boss Moleki Ntseki said: “It is so devastating for such an up-and-coming player to lose his life this way.
“They don’t come more professional than the late Madisha. He was ever-smiling, humble and was the first to arrive and leave the training ground, hence his rising star status.
“He was a rising star with the right attitude and his positive attitude among other players was always invaluable.
”This is sad for football. To his family, club and football fraternity in general, we are gutted and devastated; my deepest condolences.
“We are hurt but hope his spirit will be a driving force to our attempts to reach the AFCON and FIFA World Cup tournaments.”
Madisha had been called up to the South Africa squad 11 times since his debut in March 2018 and has one international goal to his name.
He had played 123 times for Sundowns scoring six goals and providing one assist in that time.
South African FA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said he was lost for words.
But a statement from him read: “I am still trying to ascertain facts of what really transpired but this is terrible news for football.
“Condolences to Sundowns, his family and entire football family.”
Jordaan attended Mamelodi Sundowns’ 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday evening at the Sandton Convention Centre but Madisha was not there.
He is believed to have died a few hours after the bash.
Sundowns posted on Twitter after reports emerged and wrote: “Unfortunate reports regarding Madisha.
“We have become aware of certain media reports concerning Motjeka Madisha and will make an announcement in due course.”
The news comes just weeks after another South African footballer Anele Ngcongca also died in a car crash.
