Cape Town - Maritzburg United midfielder Ziyaad Eksteen says the nature of team-mate Luyanda Ntshangase's passing was tragic and inexplicable.
Ntshangase, who was struck by lightning during a friendly against SAB League outfit Arsenal in Pietermaritzburg two months ago, died in hospital last Friday after failing to recover from his injuries.
As such, Eksteen, who played in that match and was also knocked unconscious by the lightning strike, takes the view that Ntshangase was unfortunate and has passed on a message of condolence to his family.
"Firstly I want send my condolences to his family and friends as I feel their pain," the 22-year-old told KickOff.
"It could gave been me as well you know. This shows one cannot take anything for granted - my thoughts are with his family during their time of bereavement."
Speaking about the incident, Eksteen added: "He got the direct impact of the lightning and it deflected towards me. The next thing I remember is waking up in hospital. It was crazy and freakish, you know."