The memorial service for a young soccer star from Blue Downs who died tragically on Sunday past, 1 February, will be held at his old school, Settlers High in Bellville, this afternoon at 14:00.
Jeandre Gaffoor (20) reportedly drowned in a dam on the Krom River Hiking Trail, close to Paarl, which he was on with friends.
Tragic loss
His untimely end is described as a tragic loss of a young life filled with promise and potential. Settlers High, from which he matriculated in 2023, said in a press release he would be remembered with great fondness by both learners and staff as a humble and gentle young man whose character reflected kindness and quiet determination.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of past pupil Jeandre Gaffoor (Matric Class of 2023), who tragically lost his life by drowning. During his time at Settlers he was a valued member of the first-team soccer squad and an exceptionally talented player many learners had admired and aspired to emulate. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. May they find comfort and strength in this time of sorrow, and may they experience God’s peace in the days ahead. Jeandre’s memory will remain in the hearts of our school community.”
Major clubs
Gaffoor is also remembered with great fondness by the two major clubs he played for, Stellenbosch Football Club (SFC) and Cape Town Spurs, particularly for his dedication, discipline, remarkable ability and resultant achievements. SFC, for which he played at the time he died, had this to say: “It is with profound sadness that Stellenbosch Football Club has learned of the untimely passing of our talented reserve team player Jeandre Gaffoor (20). At this time the club will not be making any further comment and respectfully requests the privacy of his family and loved ones be honoured.
“Jeandre joined Stellenbosch FC’s development ranks at the start of the 2024-’25 campaign from Cape Town Spurs and featured prominently as the team achieved a runners-up finish in the DStv Diski Challenge last season. He will be remembered fondly by his teammates, coaches and staff, and his loss will be felt across the club and wider football fraternity. The thoughts of everyone at Stellenbosch FC are with his family, friends and loved ones. Further communication will be issued in due course.”
Cape Town Spurs expressed profound sadness and its deepest condolences to Gaffoor’s family, friends and loved ones. “The sudden and tragic loss of Jeandre has left our entire Spurs family in shock and mourning. Words aren’t adequate to express the sorrow we feel for your [his family’s] unimaginable loss. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you and comfort in the cherished memories you hold.”
