Tributes pour in for former Cape footballer Reggie Jantjies

CAPE TOWN – “Reggie wasn’t just my teammate, he was a friend and a brother. I spoke to him yesterday in hospital, and the reality of what has happened today is still tough to comprehend.”

Those were the words of Cape Town City chairman John Comitis in paying tribute to Reggie Jantjies, who died in hospital on Wednesday.

Jantjies was a gifted attacking midfielder and striker who hailed from Stellenbosch, and played for Hellenic and Cape Town Spurs in the 1980s and 1990s.

In recent years, he had been the head coach of the Maties soccer club at Stellenbosch University, and he was lately a youth development coach at De Beers AFC in Firgrove.

Jantjies is survived by his wife Esther and three children.

He is believed to have had diabetes and had his left leg amputated.

“Reggie wasn’t just my teammate, he was a friend and a brother. I spoke to him yesterday in hospital, and the reality of what has happened today is still tough to comprehend,” Comitis said.

“He will forever be one of Cape Town’s finest footballers, and an inspiration in the communities for the future stars to come.

“To say goodbye to a true legend of South African football, I encourage the supporters in the stadium this Saturday to stand during the seventh minute and applaud his service to the game and the legacy of Cape Town football.”

Chairman, John Comitis' statement on the passing of Reggie Jantjies. #ReggieJantjies pic.twitter.com/WU2QEjAgRR

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) September 12, 2018

The game Comitis is referring to takes place on Saturday, when City host Kaizer Chiefs at the Cape Town Stadium (3pm kickoff), with the seventh minute signifying Jantjies’ regular jersey No 7.

His former teammate George Dearnaley said on Twitter: “So sad to hear that football Legend Reggie Jantjies has passed away in hospital in Stellenbosch. He was a proper player!! #RIP Ma se kind”

I was on the half way line at Hartleyvale @AmaZuluFootball v Hellenic when Reggie hit one on the half volley from 40m. I watched it swerve into the top corner. Almost applauded but we were 4-2 down! #ReggieJantjies

— George Dearnaley 🇿🇦 (@zulushark) September 12, 2018

SAFPU would like to send it's heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all those affected by the passing of the South African and Cape Town football legend Reggie Jantjies. May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/4hOR24LBEM

— SAFPU (@SAFPU_Official) September 12, 2018

🔴| Everyone at Ajax Cape Town would like to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Jantjies family, following the passing of Cape Town football legend Mr Reggie Jantjies. #RIPReggie❤️

— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) September 12, 2018

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