CAPE TOWN – Safa president Danny Jordaan says Reggie Jantjies was a footballer who “used to entertain us with his skills”.
Former Cape Town Spurs and Hellenic star Jantjies died at a hospital in Stellenbosch on Wednesday, having had his left leg amputated this year due to diabetes complications.
Jantjies had also served the Stellenbosch University soccer club as their head coach for many years, and was recently involved in youth football.
“Jantjies used to entertain us with his skills many years ago, and is one of the heroes of yesteryear who made us love the game even more during the difficult times back then. A giant has really fallen, and it is a great loss not only to Cape Town or the Western Cape, but to the whole country,” Jordaan said.
“On behalf of the entire Safa Council and the football fraternity in general, I would like to take this opportunity to wish his family strength during these trying times.
“May they be comforted as we join them in mourning this fallen hero. May his soul rest in peace.”
Contributes have continued to come in for Jantjies on social media.
Cricketer Herschelle Gibbs – who was a fine player in many sports, soccer included – tweeted: “Only got praise for this man! Loved the few practices we had at Hellenic.will always remember his sense of humor and that cheeky smirk rip brotherman . #ReggieJantjies”
Only got praise for this man! Loved the few practices we had at Hellenic.will always remember his sense of humor and that cheeky smirk😀 rip brotherman . #ReggieJantjies
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) September 13, 2018
Legendary Cape footballer and coach Duncan Crowie added on Twitter: “A REAL LEGEND is not with us any longer, may his soul rest in peace. I will always remember you.”
Both Cape Town City – who face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday – and Stellenbosch United, the area Jantjies came from, have urged spectators to applaud Jantjies during their matches this weekend.
As a symbol of respect and thanks the spectators are urged to stand up and clap their hands on minute 10 during Sunday’s match against Mbombela. The number 10 wasn’t only Reggie’s favourite playing number, but it is symbolic of the “Playmaker” role in Football.
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 13, 2018
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