In memory of the late Anele Ngcongca, his former club RC Genk decided to honour him with a beautiful touch on his date of birth. The former Bafana Bafana defender would have turned 36 today. He died in a motor vehicle accident in November 2020 while he was attached to Mamelodi Sundowns.
In celebrating his birthday, the club has exhibited his match-worn jersey from 2011 in the Goalmine Museum in Genk, Belgium.
ANELE NGCONGCA HONOURED BY HIS FORMER CLUB
In a lengthy statement on the club’s website on Saturday, the club paid tribute to Ngcongca, who they describe as an Icon.
“November 23, 2020. A day when football became an afterthought due to the tragic death of Anele Ngcongca,” wrote Genk.
“Anele arrived in Genk at the age of 19 as a talented South African and left the Limburg nest eight years later as a legend. As the undisputed leader and partly even as a cheerful captain. Anele was part of our team that won the Belgian Cup in 2009 and 2013 and captured the title in 2011.
“In total, ‘Jongie’ defended our blue-white colours 279 times. Only Thomas Buffel managed to collect more Genk caps. Every time with the same passion for football, occasionally with a dance. Although he was also able to put the game into perspective – in a philosophical way,” continued the tribute.
LATE BAFANA BAFANA DEFENDER DESCRIBED AS AN ICON
“He never had to show us that it would become so relative on that one black day. We will always remember him as a great player, a wonderful person, and a very great Genkie.
“On October 21, Anele would have turned 36 years old. In memory, the jersey he wore during the 2011 title match will now be on display in goalmine. You are welcome to come and honour our club icon.”
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