CAPE TOWN – Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has lost his daughter to cancer, according to a reports.
It was reported earlier this year that the former Bok coach had been by his daughter Odille Monk’s side during her chemotherapy sessions. She was diagnosed with cancer after a tumor was discovered in her chest.
“You mustn’t just tell your children you care, you must show them,” de Villiers was quoted in an interview with YOU magazine after his daughter’s diagnosis was made public.
De Villiers was in charge of the Springboks between 2008 and 2011. During his time, the team won a Tri Nations title and a British & Irish Lions series.
However, De Villiers’ biggest achievement was beating the All Blacks in five out of 11 Tests, which is the best record against the old enemy since the end of isolation.
Tributes have poured in on social media since Monk's death:
From all of us at the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras, we'd like to send our sincere condolences to Peter de Villiers and his family on the sad passing of his daughter. pic.twitter.com/INlcb8zeBx
— COBRAS CRICKET (@CobrasCricket) December 15, 2019
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/PeterDeVillier5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterDeVillier5was attending to his seriously ill daughter @Aaronjani @LossonMtongwiza @zimbabwerugby @ZimbabweSables you muppets are a true disgrace to Africa Rugby. And to SRC we are coming for you Gerald
— Gamba (@Gambasports)
My deepest condolences to former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers with the passing of his daughter. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and your family in this very difficult time😢💔
— JP Biko Keyter (@JPKEYTER) December 15, 2019
Sincere condolences to Mr Peter de Villiers and his family on the sad loss of his beloved daughter - thinking of you all at this time
— Fiona Leppan (@fionaleppan) December 15, 2019