Local sport memorabilia collectors

Sport memorabilia is an integral part of sport history. So much so, that collectors of sport memorabilia are regarded in high esteem for preserving crucial sport memories. RECORD met up with three collectors of such sport memorabilia, they are well-known Super Sport rugby commentator John van Rensburg, Alberton sport quiz fundi Arie Smit and former world boxing champion, Piet Crous.

When entering the home of John van Rensburg, you are immediately in a rugby paradise surrounded by unique rugby jewels in every little space available. Rugby jerseys, blazers, socks and

personal rugby memorabilia of famous Springboks and international rugby stars from as far back as 1906 are on display. Every single room and living space are filled with rugby portraits, ties, medals, trophies and too many rugby books to mention. John’s unique home rugby museum worth millions of rands will eventually get its last resting place in the proposed Blue Bulls rugby museum of the future behind Loftus.

Cap crazy is the only way to describe Alberton sport supporter Arie Smit who has become hooked on caps. This man’s collection of more than a thousand caps hangs neatly from the ceiling of his sport lapa in General Alberts Park. Arie is hunting for the record of owning the most caps and “anybody out there who has some caps lying around can send them my way by contacting me on 082 550 6185,” said this cap collector.

The RECORD’s trip to all sorts of paraphernalia, ended up in a boxing heaven. World cruiserweight boxing champion of 20 years ago, Piet Crous, boasts with a unique collection of world champion Old Buck belts and several other boxing museum items including original framed pictures and cartoons, such as the State President’s award bestowed on him in 1985.

What an enjoyable journey through unbelievable sporting memories.