Gifted soccer player fatally stabbed in Stellenbosch

THE local football fraternity is reeling after the murder of promising soccer star, Oshwin Andries, who was stabbed to death at the weekend.

Messages of condolences have poured in for Andries, 20, who hails from Cloetesville and played defender for the Stellenbosch FC.

In a statement, the club said it was saddened by his death.

Andries was a gifted footballer who graduated from the Stellenbosch Football Academy to make his professional debut at the age of 18.

The club said he became their youngest goalscorer in the DStv Premiership and captained South Africa at the recent under-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 club said.

Attempts to get comment from the family were declined yesterday.

The Premier Soccer League posted on Twitter: “The PSL is shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of young Stellenbosch FC defender, Oshwin Andries.

“The league sends heartfelt condolences to the Andries family, Stellenbosch FC and the football fraternity at large.”

Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais described Andries as “a young man who had a bright future ahead of him”.