Juma Ngqobongwana lived at Salford Quays and played for amateur side Moss SideTropics in the Manchester Area Basketball League, as well as writing match reports for Manchester Giants and Manchester Magic.
The former Manchester Grammar School student died on Friday at a hotel in Bradford, ahead of a basketball tournament with his team.
On behalf of his family, five of his closest friends have spoken out to explain what he meant to them and to pay tribute to their ‘real life hero’, who they describe as a model friend who put the needs of others ahead of his own.
Yoseph Williams said: “Juma’s impact on my life is incalculable; he took me under his wing when I was a young man and showed me a kindness and humility that are irreplaceable in my life.
“He truly treated me as a younger brother and played a large part in making me the man I am today. When I was down, he raised me up with his fantastic smile.
“When I was up, he was usually the reason for it. I have so many amazing memories with him that I will cherish and I feel I am truly blessed to have been able to have known him so closely.
“Juma has always been someone I looked up to and the example he set is nothing short of impeccable as a model person and friend.”
Natalie Balmain said: “Apart from being our friend, Juma was a real-life hero; someone who had time for everyone, and put everyone’s needs before his own. He lived life in a way that we should all aspire to- always full of energy, optimism and laughter.
“In his presence, you couldn’t help but get swept up in his enthusiasm. Juma had the rare mix of being intelligent, talented and dedicated, as well as caring, humble and selfless; and the world is a far worse place without him.
“But though we miss Juma with heavy hearts, his memory lifts us up and he will continue to inspire all those who knew him.”
Robert Serrant said: “Juma’s family, friends and colleagues past and present will all be feeling a profound sense of loss at his untimely passing.
“It is a credit to him and his upbringing that of the many, many people that he would have crossed paths with, none of them would have a negative comment to make.
“We can only take solace in the fact that his final moments on this earth were spent in the company of some of his closest friends, doing something which he truly loved.
“He was someone who I knew as far back as the earliest days of primary school - there will be people twice our ages who do not and will not have friendships that have lasted that long.
“Having seen him progress and surpass anybody’s expectations, his humility, limitless ability and dedication to his craft is an example for us all to follow. I am honoured to have known him. His spirit will live on in all of our hearts.”
Kate Bailey said: “Juma was that fun loving basketball guy from Manchester who everyone knew and adored. He impacted so many lives and was the kindest most loving person I know.
“Juma always had a smile on his face and was always full of life, it’s such a tragedy losing someone so special to me. He’ll be forever in my heart and I will never forget such an amazing person. R.I.P. Juma, love you always.”
Ray Chui said: “J2K, your infectious smile, laughter and positivity never fails to lift the room. No matter how long you knew that person, be it five minutes, five days or five years you always left a lasting impression.
“You were taken too soon but your good soul was needed, I wake each day waiting for your witty reply to my message and I wish I can call your phone and hear you on the other end.
“You were such a caring and inspirational individual who everyone should aspire to be and I speak for everyone when I say it is an honour to be your friend.
“Until we meet again to get some chicken splits! Gone but never forgotten.”
Learnt from manchestereveningnews
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