The South African football community is mourning the death of young Stellenbosch FC DStv Diski Challenge player Jeandre Gaffoor, whose passing was confirmed on Sunday, 1 February, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Gaffoor’s agency, Prosport International, announced the news in a statement shared on social media, saying it was ‘deeply saddened by the passing of Jeandre Gaffoor’. The agency extended its condolences to his family, friends, Stellenbosch FC and the wider football community, adding that ‘Jeander’s presence, passion and contribution to the game will always be remembered’.
According to Football SA, Gaffoor reportedly drowned on Sunday, a day after Stellenbosch FC’s 4-1 win over Magesi FC in the DStv Diski Challenge.
The exact circumstances surrounding Gaffoor’s death remain unclear at this stage.
While Stellenbosch FC has yet to issue an official statement at the time of publication, tributes are quickly pouring in from across the football community.
Cape Town Spurs, where Gaffoor spent much of his youth career, said the ‘sudden and tragic loss’ had left the club ‘in shock and mourning’.
‘There are no words adequate to express the sorrow we feel for your unimaginable loss. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you and comfort in the cherished memories you hold’ Cape Town Spurs says in its statement, expressing its deepest condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Gaffoor.
Also paying tribute, Captured Sporting Moments noted that Gaffoor would be ‘fondly remembered for the memorable goal he scored in the Bayhill Premier Cup final a few years ago for Cape Town Spurs’.
Gaffoor hailed from Blackheath Cape Town, and joined Cape Town Spurs at the age of 11, as reported by The South African, progressing through the ranks before being promoted under former coach Ernst Middendorp in 2024.
He made a move to Stellenbosch FC’s DStv Diski Challenge side at the age of 19 in 2025.
The publication highlighted that Gaffoor was known for his versatility, featuring as a central midfielder, centre-back and left-back. One of his standout career moments included captaining Spurs’ under-19 side to Bayhill Championship glory, scoring in a 4-1 final victory at Athlone Stadium.
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Picture: Football SA / Facebook
