The memorial service of the late Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Thomas Madigage, will be held at the Saulsville Arena this morning (Friday), starting at 10:00. He will be buried at Driekop, 120 km east of Polokwane, on Sunday.

Madigage was killed in an accident between Burgersfort and Polokwane on Thursday evening. According to Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, police spokesperson in Limpopo, Madigage had been involved in an accident between 22:00 and 24:00. He was alone in his vehicle when he collided with a stray animal, possibly a donkey.

The accident took place on the R37 between Polokwane and Burgersfort.

On Friday, Safa president Mr Kirsten Nematandani told the grieving family that the country had lost an individual whose life had touched many South Africans. He said that Madigage “represented every sector of society and the outpouring of grief that has resulted from his sudden death is proof of his humble and well-loved nature.”

Nematandani added that South Africa would never have another Thomas Madigage and that Safa would work closely with the family in this time of mourning.

During the visit, the CEO of Safa, Dr Robin Petersen, said he still could not come to terms with the fact that Madigage had passed away. “We have no simple answers to his sudden death. Thomas was humble and dedicated to his work but at the same time full of life. He was truly a gift to the nation and will be sadly missed,” said Petersen.

Coach Gordon Igesund, who was part of the delegation that also included second assistant coach, Serame Letsoaka, team manager, Barney Kujane and head of national teams, Ace Kika, struggled to hold back tears when he met Madigage’s 84-year old mother, Pauline. “Tommy was not only my colleague, he was an honest friend, wonderful person and I will not find another sincere individual like him. I have been robbed of a true friend,” said an emotional coach.

Madigage played 311 games during his career and scored 51 goals. He had four caps for Bafana Bafana and was assistant coach for Supersport United from 2004 to 2012, helping them win three successive league titles from 2008-2010.

The MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms Florence Radzilani, added her voice to the many people who have sent a message of condolence to the family and friends of Madigage. She said that Madigage had joined the department’s crime awareness campaign in the village of Taung, in the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality in Sekhukhune, the afternoon before his death. “Madigage was in the area to contribute to nation building, notwithstanding the fact that, two days before, he was on the bench with Coach Gordon Igesund in Nairobi, Kenya,” she added.

Radzilani added that Madigage was no stranger to community development, particularly in Limpopo. “Through his Thomas Madigage8 Foundation he has touched the lives of many people in the province through football development, bursaries, school uniforms, computers and groceries,” she said.

According to her,Madigage was a worthy and committed partner in the Department for Safety, Security and Liaison’s fight against crime.