After playing to a 1-1 draw with FC AK at the Oscar Mphetha Stadium in Turfloop on Sunday afternoon, the bus of Polokwane City Football Club was involved in a horrific accident at Nobody, just outside Polokwane.

Four players, Koketso Takalo (20), Robert Mphuthi (21), Moeketsi Nthete (23) and Sylvester Mpaketsane (27), died at the scene. According to the chairman of the club, Mr Johnny Mogalagathi, they will be buried at different places this weekend.

In a message to the players’ families and friends, the president of Safa, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, said life was too precious to be lost "just like that" and that coming so soon after the passing away of Bafana Bafana assistant coach Thomas Madigage in another road accident, this incident was difficult to grasp. He added that the deah of the four players was sad, painful and difficult for relatives, friends and the South African football fraternity.

He wished the injured a speedy recovery. “To those who are battling injuries in hospital, our prayers go to them to get well soon,” he added.

In a statement, the provincial executive council of the ANCYL in Limpopo also sent its condolences to the next-of-kin of the deceased soccer players.