CAPE TOWN – Andre Arendse was the new kid on the block, and there was no way Reggie Jantjies was going to let him have an easy ride in the big time.
The classy Jantjies, who passed away on Wednesday, was a stalwart for Hellenic, and Arendse the new goalkeeper at Cape Town Spurs.
“Early 90’s, CT Spurs vs Hellenic. My very first experience of top level football. Hellenic knock in a corner, Reggie Jantjies deliberately late tackles me. Walks over to me and says, “welcome to pro football Mate”. Then became my team mate. He had my respect ever since! RIPLegend,” Arendse tweeted this week upon Jantjies’ passing.
Jantjies was a midfielder for Spurs and Hellenic, but lost the battle against diabetes this week, having had his left leg amputated a few months ago.
Two other former players, Shaun Bartlett and Vincent Barnes, also joined many in the local soccer fraternity to pay tribute to Jantjies on social media.
“Saddened by the news of the passing of Reggie Jantjies. Former team mate at Cape Town Spurs and an absolute gentleman on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,” Bartlett said.
Barnes added: “One of my toughest opponents but a very dear friend. My sincere condolences to Esther and the Jantjies family R.I.P. Reggie Jantjies #FootballLegend”
The Premier Soccer League have announced that Jantjies will be remembered before the start of this weekend’s Premiership, NFD and Diski Challenge games with a moment of silence.
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan – whose funeral took place on Thursday – and NFD side Uthongathi FC chairman Nicholas ‘Mkhize’ Gumede, who was shot dead in Tongaat on Monday, will also be acknowledged.
“The Premier Soccer League remembers all three men for their contribution to football and humanity.”
Early 90’s, CT Spurs vs Hellenic. My very first experience of top level football. Hellenic knock in a corner, Reggie Jantjies deliberately late tackles me. Walks over to me and says, “welcome to pro football Mate”. Then became my team mate. He had my respect ever since! RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/9ChdX8HNBM