Every year, the South African sporting community is reminded of how deeply its heroes shape our collective identity, not only through victories, but through the inspiration they leave behind.
According to Clinton van der Berg, writing on his Got Game website, in 2025, we bid farewell to a number of prominent figures across disciplines, from boxing and rugby to cricket, football, and swimming.
Helped define eras
These men and women carried the hopes of fans, broke barriers, and embodied the resilience of South African sport.
They were mentors, pioneers, and role models who helped define eras and uplift communities.
As we reflect on their lives, their stories remind us that sport is more than competition; it’s culture, memory, and connection.
Those we lost this year, remembered with respect:
Boxing: Lee Dyer, Emile Brice, Daniel Bruwer, Dr Steven Saad, Steve Kalakoda
Cricket: Ron Draper, Kamohelo Mtsweni, Robin Smith
Football: Desmond Chauke, Gerry Francis, Tendai Ndoro
Golf: Phil Simmons
Motorsport: Pieter Joubert
Rowing: Kerry Grundlingh
Rugby: Piet Bester, Andy van der Watt, Sakkie de Klerk, Piet Strydom, Wally Walters, Kobus van der Merwe, Toy Dannhauser, Norman Mbiko, Cornal Hendricks, Braam Reynecke, Des van Jaarsveldt, Vuyo Maqholo, Daniel Snyman, Bevan Fortuin, Jan Boland Coetzee, Max Baise, Hennie van Zyl
Road running: Jetman Msutu, Cheryl Winn, Desirée du Plessis
Swimming: Joan Harrison
Anyone left off the list?
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