Larsen recalls chatting to Mngwengwe 'last week'

Clinton Larsen says it was painful to hear the news of Nkanyiso Mngwengwe's passing on Monday.

The 30-year-old Golden Arrows defender reportedly collapsed at his home and sadly passed away.

The Polokwane City boss knew Mngwengwe well from their time at Golden Arrows together and said they had kept in touch.

Larsen told Goal: "He was a young man that was in the prime of his career and last week, he sent me a message on WhatsApp about the lockdown and training.

"You know when I was there with Arrows over the three years, we became quite close and he kept constant contact with me even when I left the club. We had a very good relationship and it's sad news."

The manager added "Last week when he was talking to me, he has just come back from injury and just finished training. He was looking forward to competing and get back to the squad.

"So, it really comes as a shock and he's a quality player. A few years ago, I even said he deserved a call-up to the national team (Bafana Bafana).

"He did so well, I think that was the 2016/17 season. He was really having a fantastic season; he was the captain. Remember (Matome) Mathiane was injured at the time, he took over and never looked back. He played the entire season with (Limbikani) Mzava at the heart of the defence.

"They formed a formidable partnership and yeah, he was such a good example to the younger players. Arrows had a very young squad three years ago and the boys that are playing now were in their early 20’s and Mngwengwe was one of the leaders in the team.

"Always leading by example both on and off the field. Like I said it's somebody that I built a very strong relationship with. It’s painful to hear this kind of news."

- TEAMtalk media