Ex EP rugby great Peter Zehmke dies
EASTERN Province rugby fans are mourning the death of former wing Peter Zehmke in Uitenhage on Saturday at the age of 67, after a five-year battle with cancer.
The Old Collegians flyer, who was a regular member of the Eastern Province team in the 1970s, devoted much of his life to rugby, following his playing career with at least a decade of service in various administrative positions.
Although they never won any trophies, the EP rugby teams during Zehmke’s time were respected by opponents across South Africa and nobody came to do battle at the Boet Erasmus Stadium expecting a picnic.
Zehmke’s extreme speed made him a tough opponent.
He was called the “long-haired Old Collegians flyer” by former Herald sports editor Neil Cameron in an article when he made his EP debut in the 1972 Currie Cup.
Cameron went on to say Zehmke “has been knocking at the door all season and gets a well-deserved chance to show his ability in top Currie Cup competition”.
Following his playing career, Zehmke served on the EP selection committee for several years.
He was also team manager in the early 1990s when, under the guidance of former All Black Alex Wyllie, EP qualified for the 1994 Super 10 competition. Born in Stutterheim in 1949, Zehmke attended boarding school at Daniel Pienaar in Uitenhage after his parents moved to the Longmore region.
He played for EP Schools and later became a firm favourite at the powerful Old Collegians club.
Zehmke was also handy on the hockey field, playing premier league for Uitenhage.
He later also played golf. His funeral is on Friday at 11am at the Janssendal Methodist Church in Preller Road, Uitenhage. It will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Uitenhage Golf Club.
Zehmke leaves his partner Michelle and children Zarrin, Jason and Tammi.