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.”.
Benadie added that Andries quickly established himself as a budding young talent in footballing circles, winning the Reserve Diski League Championship and distinguished himself in the United Kingdom by scoring a goal in Stellenbosch FC’s victory in the NextGen final against Leicester City.
“He also proudly captained the SA under-20 side in 2022. The young boy from Rietenbosch Primary, Cloetesville High and the Klapmuts community was making massive waves in local football,” Benadie added.
“He had so much more to offer to the game and his community. The overwhelming tributes that have poured in from the country’s coaches and clubs are testimony to this, and he will be sorely missed.”
Stellenbosch mayor Gesie van Deventer also paid tribute to the young star: “On behalf of the entire Stellenbosch Council, I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Oshwin. He was a rising star that was taken from us way too soon. May he rest in eternal peace. We keep his family, friends and club in our thoughts and prayers.”
Anroux Marais, provincial minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, also added her voice to the thousands paying homage to Andries. “Oshwin was a young man who had a bright future. He was an absolute example of what can be achieved when young people make positive choices in their lives and follow their passion,” she said.
“His death is a devastating loss to sport in the province. He was a beacon of hope to other young players, as he chose to follow his football dreams as a means to future success. I am saddened that his journey was cut short by a senseless act of violence. Our condolences go to Oshwin’s family, friends, football club and athletes. His memory will live on through those he inspired to follow the same journey, regardless of their personal circumstances.”
