African legend passes away
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South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins paid tribute to former African Springbok legend, Thompson "Sandi" Magxala, who passed away in Khayelitsha on Saturday at the age of 73.
Magxala was one of black rugby's most capped and most experienced national players during the pre-unity era. He played 32 Tests in a decade – six of them against IRB nations – at a time when Tests were few and far between, particularly for black South Africans.
He was a tough, skilful and agile lock forward who ended his Test career at hooker. He captained both Western Province and the African Springboks – later known as the Leopards – and was one of the former captains whose handprints were captured in bronze by the South African Rugby Union as part of the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum launch ceremony.
He started his playing career in 1962 when he joined the Flying Eagle RFC and was soon made captain of the first team. Among those teams he played against was the famous 1974 British Lions in Mdantsane, near East London. The same year, Magxala toured Italy with the team.
When he retired from rugby in 1979 he became president of the Flying Eagle Club, and later Lagunya RFC president and was elected president of the Western Province Rugby Association in 1987. Following rugby unity in 1992 he was appointed as a senior selector of the Western Province Rugby Union.
"He was a great rugby man," said Hoskins. "He was a leader among men and a deserved legend in his community who always conducted himself with authority and dignity.
"I never had the good fortune to see him play but from what I have heard he was a hard man on the field but with all the skills to hold down a Test place for a decade. He will be greatly missed."
SARU extended their condolences to Magxala's family. Magxala is survived by his three children, Vuyo, Bongani and Vuyelwa, and three grandchildren, Lizo, Sihle and Oluhle.
His funeral will take place on June 27.
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