Pretoria - Government has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former national soccer team Assistant Coach, Thomas Madigage.
Madigage died in a car accident near Burgersfort in Limpopo in the early hours of Friday morning.
Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said: "We are saddened to have learnt about the passing on of Madigage. We express our deepest condolences to his family".
Madigage will be remembered for the value he added onto the soccer fraternity in South Africa.
The Portfolio Committee for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture of the Gauteng Legislature has also conveyed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, former teammates and colleagues of the late football star Madigage, popularly known as 'Chincha'.
"The deadly combination that you formed with the likes of Chippa Masinga, Helmen Mkhelele, Lawrance Siyangaphi, Eric Thozamile September and the other fantastic Cosmos FC players of the early 1990's, shall live in our memories forever, said Chairperson Nompi Nhlapo on behalf of the Committee
"It is indeed a sad loss to all South Africans, the kind of knowledge you had about the beautiful game of football can never be replaced. You represented South African football and sports both domestically and internationally with respect and dignity. Death be not proud. Rest in peace Tommy.
"We pray for his family, friends, fans and all those affected by his untimely passing to gather strength in this time of sadness," said Nhlapo.
The President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Kirsten Nematandani has also expressed shock at the passing away of Madigage.
"We are shocked and at a loss for words and as we speak, we are on our way to meet the family and find out what actually happened.
"We would like to pass our sincere condolences to the family, friends and the entire nation on this shocking development," he said.
The long serving assistant coach of Supersport United was appointed Bafana's head coach Gordon Igesund's first choice for the position, as he wanted to work with an assistant coach who had achieved great success in that position and who would complement his own style and strengths.
His appointment was aimed at strengthening the Bafana technical team in their quest for success in the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 and in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Further details will follow once Safa has met with the family and police. - SAnews.gov.za
