The innings of Patrick Wessels (71), an all-round sportsman and administrator with a passion for cricket, came to an end on Saturday 24 February.
Jerome Wessels said the passing of his uncle is not only a loss to the family but also the community of Kuils River, the cricket fraternity, and the greater sports community.
“Pat, as everyone knew him, was synonymous with Kuils River or more descriptively, Sarepta. He was my uncle, but always asked me to call him Pat.”
Jerome recalled Wessels was an exceptional sprinter who held various records and an outstanding footballer who played for Kuils River AFC’s first team. “The Saturday afternoon matches against their rivals Bellville United, Garden Village, Selvyn Parks, and Manchester United often drew the whole community to the Sarepta sports grounds.
Jerome said Wessels’ association with Kuils River Cricket Club was iconic. “He was a superb all-rounder – a middle-order batsman and a medium-pace bowler.
“After his playing days, he was initially the secretary and later served as chairman for many years. He also served on sub-committees at Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA).
“He was a teacher by profession and touched the lives of many in the underprivileged communities of Cape Town.
He was a principled person who believed in fairness and equity.”
The WPCA said in a statement Wessels served for more than 30 years on the WP Local Leagues Committee (LLC), looking after the clubs that he represented and going out of his way to resolve disputes or issues.
Current WPCA vice-president and a former convenor of Local League, Dr De Vries Basson, said: “Uncle Pat was always contiguous and diligent and passionate about the game. I recall several LLC inquiries where Uncle Pat with his wisdom helped to resolve an issue or give objective guidance in matters.”
Stalwart
Wessels is remembered as a stalwart of WP Club Cricket and a friendly gentleman who would always check in on other members.
WPCA life member Adv Norman Arendse conveyed his condolences to Wessels’ family, friends, and Kuils River CC.
“He was a stalwart cricket administrator, completely dedicated and selfless in his service to his club, and the Kuils River community.
“His role in the non-racial struggle and cementing unity will always be remembered,” Arendse said.
In 2022 the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) honoured Wessels as a “sports legend”.
The motivation stated Wessels achieved provincial colours in cricket, football, and athletics. He was the chairperson of the Kuils River Cricket Club and the chairperson of the Sarepta Sports Board.
In 1990 he was the convenor of the National Athletics Tournament, and in 1992 he was the convenor of the national summer codes tournament. He was a member of the Leagues Committee, organising fixtures, and dealing with game-related problems.
Wessels also initiated the formation of the Northern Cricket Forum to create a platform where senior clubs in the northern areas can share common problems and ideas and build better relationships.
He captained both football and cricket senior club sides to numerous league titles. Wessels held various SA and WP school athletics records as well as records at university level.
He served as chairman and convenor of soccer, athletics, and cricket of the Bishop Lavis Schools Union. He also served on the Executive Board of Bonteheuwel School’s Sports Union whilst teaching in the area.
