Former Boland, KwaZulu-Natal, Dolphins and South Africa Under-19 fast bowler Rabian Engelbrecht passed away this week.
Engelbrecht had tuberculosis. He was 29 years old.
He was capped 26 times at first-class level from 2010 to 2018 and, more recently, represented Paarl Cricket Club in Boland Cricket club competition.
What Paarl Cricket Club said
“On behalf of Paarl Cricket Club members and supporters, we would like to pass our deepest condolences on the recent passing of club member, player, brother and friend Rabian Engelbrecht,” read a statement from the club.
“He will always be remembered as a great human being and top club supporter and player. The Paarl cricket family will surely miss this humble soul.”
What the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union said
Engelbrecht’s penultimate first-class fixture was for the Dolphins against the Cape Cobras in March 2018. He took a five-wicket haul in the Cobras’ first innings.
He also played for the Dolphins in List A and T20 cricket.
“We have heard with great sadness of the passing of former Dolphins player Rabian Engelbrecht,” read a brief statement from the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to Rabian’s family, friends, current and former team-mates, fans and colleagues in the cricket community. Gone too soon.”
What the South African Cricketers’ Association said
Engelbrecht was named South Africa’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2010.
“SACA is deeply saddened by the news of the death of past member Rabian Engelbrecht. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,” read a brief statement from the South African Cricketers’ Association.