Stellenbosch FC and the rest of South Africa’s football fraternity were rocked by the news of the death of a talented defender over the weekend.
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This comes after the passing of 19-year-old Oshwin Andries on Saturday following a violent altercation a few days prior.
Stellenbosch F.C. is tonight mourning the passing of Oshwin Andries.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with his family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
Full statement ➡️ https://t.co/dLi0khLbDF pic.twitter.com/5n3tgiAhbW
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 4, 2023
While the Western Cape-based club could not reveal the full details of his death at the time due to rumours of an alleged murderer, IOL Sport reports that it has come to light that the Paarl-born player was the victim of a stabbing last week.
“It is with deep sadness that Stellenbosch F.C. has learned of the untimely passing of promising young defender, Oshwin Andries,” read a statement from the club.
“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 goalscorer 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 F.C. are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
It has been reported that Andries was involved in a violent altercation right after he celebrated Stellenbosch’s derby win over Cape Town City.
Reports state that the 19-year-old defender was treated for stab wounds before being discharged and seemed in good spirits as he made numerous appearances at the club’s training facilities without getting involved.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Nowonga Sukwana, police are still investigating the player’s death.
“Oshwin Andries passed away in hospital on 4 February (Saturday) at 9.40pm after his family took him to the hospital,” Sukwana said.
Till we meet again? pic.twitter.com/noDM9ecLO7
— Lee Langeveldt (@LeeLangeveldt) February 4, 2023
“He was treated for a stab wound and released, and then his family took him to Paarl Hospital. Circumstances around his stabbing are still under investigation.”
The graduate from the Stellenbosch Academy had already made his mark in the Premiership, becoming Stellies’ youngest ever goalscorer in the league, at just 18 years old, in a 3-1 win over Royal AM.
He had earned the admiration of opponents, and national team coaches (after captaining the Under-20 team), and most notably, he had caught the eye of coach Pitso Mosimane.
Andries wasn’t involved in Stellenbosch FC’s 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
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Picture: Twitter/ @Leelangeveldt