Farewell to a beloved coach

Khomotso Makgabutlane, Fourways Review journalist pays tribute to the late Allistar Fredericks, the Beaulieu Hockey Academy coach and former South African hockey player.

She writes:

The sudden passing of Fredericks (49) left the heaviest of dents in the hearts of many. Including mine. A legend has fallen.

Fredericks had a huge impact on the South African hockey scene ever since he was the first player of colour to represent the country in hockey in the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. It was an amazing feat he achieved, and those who knew him had a great deal of respect for him.

I met ‘Ally’, as many called him, shortly after beginning my job at Caxton Local Media last year, and we continued our strong working relationship until June this year.

The first time I met him he was screaming at his team in encouragement during a match. While I had called him a few days before to say that I was coming to cover the match, I was intimidated by him but he seemed nice. The Beaulieu A-side drew 4–4 with a strong Wanderers side that Saturday.

Even though he had been screaming at his team on the field minutes before, the minute I spoke to him he gave me the biggest and friendliest smile. Just in the short time I spoke to him, I knew I was coming back to cover another Beaulieu match. The passion for the game seeped through him, it was incredible.

I went again to Pretoria two weeks later to cover Beaulieu playing Tuks. It was like meeting up with an old friend. Again, he was screaming at his side to get them to do their best during the match, but I was less intimidated.

As the months went on, he started asking me to come and cover all events to do with Southern Gauteng, Beaulieu, Hockey Junction or Pro-Series Indoor with the Griffins. I got to know many players, current and former national greats in Reza Rosenberg and Julian Hykes. I got to witness the upcoming talents of Tamlyn Kock, Jesse Salo, Marvin Simons, Fawaaz Kahder, Sizwe Mthembu, Travis Krumples and many more. I had the opportunity to interview my hockey hero, Jethro Eustice, which Ally constantly made fun of me for.

The more I covered the matches, the more I understood Ally as a person and what he had achieved. How friendly and easy to talk he was and the opportunities he provided for everyone in the team. He became a good friend.

The last match he coached his team was against Shumbas on 13 June which they won 10–1. At the end of that match, I decided to take a photo of him and his team which I had not done for a long time. The league was set to take a two-week break due to the increasing coronavirus cases in the country. I stayed a long while after that match talking to players and Ally about many different things, but it was then I thanked Ally for always letting me cover Beaulieu matches. He was just as grateful for my presence at the many matches throughout my time at Caxton.

His sudden passing on 14 June hurt me incredibly deeply. Knowing he died a day after I saw him had me appreciating life a little more. Looking back at that photo, I get chills and a few tears in my eyes as I was able to capture a number of the players’ last physical interactions with him a day before he passed on.

My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to Ally’s family, friends and players. May you all find strength in this incredibly difficult time.

To Allistar, I say thank you. My passion for hockey has grown more and more. I hope you continue to rest in peace. Thank you for being a wonderful human being.