In the wake of Nigerian legend and former coach Stephen Keshi's untimely passing, ex-South Africa and SuperSport United coach Gordon Igesund has described the 'Big Boss' as a true gentleman.
Igesund was in charge of Bafana Bafana when they faced the Super Eagles in Cape Town during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships tournament (Chan).
Bafana succumbed to a humbling 3-1 loss at Cape Town Stadium through a brace from want-away Mamelodi Sundowns winger Uzoenyi Ejike and a Ifeanyi Ede strike.
However, the continent woke up to sad news on Wednesday morning that the former Nigeria skipper had passed away due to reported heart problems.
"Well...as coaches we got to know each other on and off the field, but he was a good guy," Igesund tells African Football.com.
"He was a gentleman of the game, humble and decent and I remember we also met during the Chan tournament in Cape Town.
"We fought on the touchline as coaches, that's normal during the game, but after the game we will have a chat and talk about it.
"It's a sad loss to football in Nigeria, to the continent and to his family but these things happen and it's part of life."
The former Anderlecht and Lokeren defender recently signed with Quality Sports Agency in South Africa and was linked with the Orlando Pirates job.
Igesund also spoke about the fact that the 1994 CAF Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles and 2013 AFCON winner as coach, would've brought something different to the South African Premier Soccer League.
"Yes, look I heard that he was talking to South African clubs and I must be honest that it would've been great," adds "GI'.
"He was a nice person and I don''t doubt that the PSL would've been a different league and I was looking forward to such an opportunity for him.
"May his soul rest in peace and I'm sending my condolences to his family."