Oshwin Andries: Stellenbosch FC and South Africa U-23 prospect passes away
- Stellenbosch defender Andries passed away on Saturday
- Unconfirmed reports claim the player was stabbed
- Youngster was just getting started at Stellenbosch
WHAT HAPPENED? Although circumstances leading to his death are still unclear, iDiski Times reported that the young defender died from stab wounds after being attacked on Saturday.
His death has sent shockwaves across the South African sporting fraternity with teammates, rival clubs and fans sending in their tributes and condolence messages.
Teammate Deano van Rooyen was one of those who paid tribute to the youngster.
RIP neef 😭💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Y6NU7U25OT
— Deano Van rooyen (@van_deano) February 4, 2023
The former South Africa U20 captain came through the ranks at Stellenbosch where he honed his skills as a defender who could also slot in at central midfield.
Andries made his PSL debut against Orlando Pirates this season and had managed eight appearances, while scoring one goal.
WHAT DID THEY SAY? “The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and asks that his family’s privacy is respected in this difficult time of bereavement,” Stellenbosch said via a statement.
“Andries was a gifted young footballer who graduated from the SFC Academy to make his professional debut at the age of 18. He later became the club’s youngest-ever goal scorer in the DStv Premiership and captained South Africa at the recent U-20 Afcon Cosafa qualifiers. “His presence, both on the pitch and off it, will be sorely missed. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Stellenbosch FC are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The player was just three weeks away from his 20th birthday and his death robs the club and country a talented and promising player who was set to be a mainstay in the respective teams in the near future.
Andries had already displayed his leadership qualities to earn the armband for the national U20 side while he also captained his club to the DStv Diski Challenge Championship last season.
WHAT’S NEXT? Stellenbosch promised to issue another statement in due course.