Several Eastern Cape Cricket Clubs have paid tribute to former international umpire Rudi Koertzen, who passed away earlier this week.
Koertzen died in a car accident in the Western Cape. He was 73 years old.
He officiated in 331 fixtures at international level, including 108 Tests, from 1992 to 2010 – and was a longstanding member of Despatch Cricket Club in the Eastern Cape.
What Despatch Cricket Club said
“It is with a heavy heart that we share this news with you. A legend in his own right passed away and will definitely leave a big void in the cricket world,” read a statement from Despatch Cricket Club.
“We just want to convey our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to uncle Rudi’s family and loved ones.”
What Port Elizabeth Cricket Club said
“We would like to send our sincerest and deepest condolences to Rudi’s family and friends. A great loss for the cricket community; a legendary umpire who inspired a nation. Oom Rudi will be missed by all players and fans alike,” said Port Elizabeth Cricket Club.
What Gamrose Cricket Club said
“The passing of Rudi is a great lost to our cricket and we would like to thank him for all the good work he has done towards the development of the game and the high standards he has left,” said Gamrose Cricket Club administrator Kenneth Kohl.
What Standard Cricket Club said
“He was intrigued by the age of the club and said to me he would come back every year to umpire the Midland Bat Tournament against Bedford, which was founded in 1891. True to his word, he did exactly that,” said Standard Cricket Club president William Copeman.
“He has a special place in the hearts of Standard Cricket Club and was a true ambassador for the game of cricket.”
What the Eastern Province Cricket Umpires’ Association said
“The Eastern Province Cricket Umpires’ Association is saddened by the untimely passing of this legend of the game – a 108 Test match legend. He was a mentor to the best umpires in our region, and will be sorely missed,” said EPCUA president Mark Meyer.
What Eastern Province Cricket president Dai-Tai Marais said
“Rudi has a long history with cricket I the province, having made his Test match debut on his home ground at St George’s Park in 1992,” said Marais.
“He played a leading role in our umpires’ association, and will be remembered as a great character on and off the field.”
What Warriors coach Robin Peterson said
“It came as a shock about oom Rudi, as I affectionately knew him. He was a wonderful man to have almost 20 years of umpiring at international level, where it is a highly-pressurised job.
“When you have a career like that you touch a lot of people’s lives and he certainly did. I will never forget my last interaction with him where he called me and had a chat just about cricket and life. We had a good laugh on my way to training.
“He was the kind of guy who could always lift your spirits. He will be missed.”
What former Eastern Cape Cricket CEO Dave Emslie said
“If Rudi was in charge it was a pleasure because you knew the game was in top hands, that it would be well controlled, and that there would be no unnecessary controversy,” said Emslie.
“Besides being very good at what he did, people liked his manner. He was friendly with the players, but did not allow them to become overly familiar. He was a real cricket guy.”
What CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki said
“The passing of this titan is a sad loss for the game. Koertzen’s contribution to umpiring, to which he spent the better part of his life, speaks volumes about his selfless dedication and commitment,” said Moseki.
“With his demise, another curtain of a rich legacy has fallen, but will never be forgotten.
“In his honour, let’s decree to embody his passion for umpiring and unearth a crop of umpires who will carry the fortunes of the game into the future.”
What CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo said
“Rudi departs at the time when cricket is beginning to enjoy the fruit of his toil. His passing has robbed us of a giant upon his foundation we now stand,” said Naidoo.
“While this is a sad day for cricket in South Africa, we are however comforted by the many lessons of servitude and servant leadership he has left behind for us to embody and emulate.”