Cricketers mourn the sad passing of Happy Ndlovu
AFTER suffering a stroke earlier this year and spending several months in hospital, Empangeni cricket legend Happy Ndlovu sadly passed away last week.
Messages of condolence, tribute and farewell have inundated local platforms, as the district's cricket fraternity mourns the loss.
“My dearest Haps, how are we going to say a final goodbye?
“You have meant so much to so many people and touched the lives of cricketers of all ages.
“You moulded the girls and lads into respectable women and gentlemen,” said King Cetshwayo Cricket District (KCCD) president Carmen Lendrum.
“Personally, you got me through so much in the last few years.
“You were a pillar of strength to me and the entire KCCD cricket fraternity. We will miss you very much.
“To Phindile and the family, my heart breaks with yours.
“There are so many people keeping you all in their thoughts and prayers,” she added.
Adding to condolences was KCCD executive member Anton van Noordwyk.
“Rest in peace Happy, a true cricketing ambassador has left us. A man who started a club without a facility, ground and very little kit.
“He drove around Mtubatuba with his team proudly displayed on his car.
“It is a very sad day, our thoughts are with Phindile and the children at this sad time.”
“This is sad news indeed, Happy was the KZNCU Rural Team's coach for many years. He worked extremely well with the management and players.
“On behalf of KZNCU Rural Cricket, I extend our sincere condolences to the Ndlovu family, friends, and the entire KCCD family,” said Asif Essop.
“This is very sad news indeed and a
huge loss for Mtubatuba, uMkhanyakude, KCCD and KZNCU cricket.
“Happy was instrumental in getting cricket up and running in uMkhanyakude, with little or no assistance initially, and the development seen in that region is testimony to his wonderful efforts.
“He is going to be sorely missed, may he rest in peace,” said KCCD secretary Guy Richardson.
“On behalf of the men’s rural team, please accept our heartfelt condolences. It was a pleasure working with Happy, not only at senior level but at the U17 rural level as well,” said KZN Coastal Rural Districts and U17 Rural Coastal District Cricket team manager Andre Pretorius.
“What a man and coach. We will miss you so much, rest softly legend,” said KCCD Premier Men captain Stephan Joubert.
“Not all heroes wear capes, rest in peace legend,” said coach Trevor Kietzmann.
“So saddened to hear this news, a true gentleman of the game whose impact will be felt for years to come,” said the NPO’s founding member Dylan Ellison.
“We share our condolences and sympathies with the family in their time of mourning.
“KZNCU will be on hand to assist the family in this time of need and with the funeral arrangements. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time.
“Hamba kahle, Mr Ndlovu,” said Yashveer Singh from KZN Cricket Union.