Referee dies suddenly

He was, a Grade 1 referee of the Golden Lions Referees' Society and his The death, naturally, came as a great shock.

Smit, who was 56, went to referee at Carletonville High School where there were trial matches being played. After the match he collapsed and died, apparently suffering a heart attack.

Theuns Naudé, a former referee and currently the manager of the Golden Lions referees, who was shocked at the news, said of Smit: “He was a very committed referee who was always available, no matter what the game was, be it under 14s or any other club or schools game. He was always eager to go onto the field and was an extremely trustworthy referee who never missed an appointment.

“It is a great loss for the union and a truly sad day for refereeing. He will be sorely missed."

Smit lived on the West Rand in Johannesburg and leaves his wife Lynn.