Premier Soccer League chairperson, Irvin ‘Iron Duke’ Khoza, expressed his sadness at the passing of South African sports icon, rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen.
“Joost met every challenge on and off the sports field with a determination and courage that was exceptional. His courageous handling of adversity transcended the rugby field. In the short 45 years of his life, he has managed to leave an imprint on South Africa and the world that will last forever. Fare thee well, Joost, my hero and the hero of our nation,” Khoza said.
The legendary Springbok rugby scrumhalf and captain died on 6 February after a brave battle against motor neurone disease. He was diagnosed at the age of 40.
Van der Westhuizen was confined to a wheelchair after losing the use of his arms and legs and was only able to talk via a speech-generating device. Despite the debilitating effects of the disease, he devoted himself to aiding sufferers of the fatal disease through the formation of his J9 Foundation.
The foundation’s core objectives are to contribute to research and raise awareness, both locally and internationally, for motor neurone disease, and to support efforts across the globe to find a cure and cause.
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