CAPE TOWN - The Claremont Main Road Mosque has paid tribute to the unsung rugby legends of yesteryear.
At a special event the mosque decided to make a modest effort to honour some of the rugby legends such as Salie Fredericks and Welile Nkohla who died in July, and Yusuf Allie, who died in June.
“In Islamic and other religious and cultural traditions it is highly praiseworthy and recommended practice to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and talents of people both during their lives as well as after they have passed on to the life hereafter.
"In light of this, it is our considered view that as a community we should do much more to institutionalise a tradition of acknowledging, showing gratitude for and celebrating people who touch our lives,” Imam Rashied Omar said.
He also highlighted the inspirational stories about legendary skills and athletic prowess of the unsung rugby heroes.
“Sadly as a direct result of the oppressive system of apartheid, these rugby legends who played in the non-racial rugby unions were not afforded the accolades and glory,” Omar said.
“This is a great initiative, It comes in a time where we have to recognise these people, They have played a phenomenal role in non-racialism in sport,” said Thelo Wakefield president from the WP Rugby Union who was also honoured at the event.
Among those also honoured yesterday was Achmat Isaacs. Isaacs was born in the Bo-Kaap, he was popularly known as “Big Head” and he played No 8 for Stars Rugby Club in Bo-Kaap.
He also represented the Western Province Rugby Union in the 1970s. Isaacs died in June after suffering a heart attack at the the age of 69.
“Achmat was a mentor to many young rugby players in the Bo-Kaap and until the time of his death he informally continued to provide encouragement and support to new generations of players,” Omar said.