Heartfelt tributes continue to pour in for the young Stellenbosch FC star Oshwin “Ossie” Andries, who died on Saturday (4 February) – a few days after being stabbed by a man who remains at large.
The South African under-20 midfieler died in his mother’s arms on his way to hospital after having seizures and complaining of severe pain.
The 19-year-old was allegedly stabbed in an altercation in Mandela City in Klapmuts on Sunday 29 January and was rushed to hospital.
After being discharged the following morning, Andries returned to the doctor for check-ups, but started complaining of pains in his back from last Wednesday (1 February).
Bereaved brother Lee-Irvin describes Andries as a very humble person, who was the same wherever he found himself. “He was the same everywhere, at home, with friends, on the street . . . There is no other way to describe him except as a loving and kind person. He was a phenomenal human being who cared deeply about others. He didn’t even want to open a case after being stabbed.”
Playing professional football and being in the public eye is something Andries struggled to come to terms with, Lee-Irvin added, as he still wanted to be a normal person who could walk the streets and be among “ordinary” people.
Rob Benadie, Stellenbosch FC CEO, said they are devastated by Andries’ passing. “Ossie was a hugely talented footballer and one of the early trailblazers of our young club. What he managed to achieve in a short space of time is quite phenomenal and will remain an inspiration to aspiring footballers for many years to come.”
Benadie fondly recalled the first time he saw a 15-year-old Andries at the soccer academy. “He elegantly strode past players with ease and I excitedly ran off to the coaches to tell them I had seen the next Patrick Viera. He accelerated his development each year and graduated from the academy to make his Premiership debut at 18, later winning the man-of-the-match award in his first start against Orlando Pirates.”. Continues on page 2.
