Germiston Boytjies bring generations of athletes together
Former sportsmen, sportswomen and their families are joining forces to celebrate Germiston’s sporting history and inspire future generations.
A casual conversation over a drink at Victoria Lake Club six months ago has sparked a growing movement dedicated to reviving local sports culture.
It is also aiming to preserve history and re-engage families across Germiston.
Dubbed Germiston Boytjies, the initiative was founded by Danie ‘Kobie’ Ackermann alongside friends Greggie Pienaar and Linton Cox.
Driven by a desire to stem the decline of local sports facilities and reconnect generations of athletes, the group set out to unite veterans from across the city’s sporting spectrum, including cricket, soccer, rugby, bowls and golf.
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The campaign kicked off on June 16, when St Catherine’s School in Lambton opened its doors and cricket pitch to host the group’s inaugural event. Around 40 attendees gathered for a day of cricket, a braai and multi-generational camaraderie, with participants ranging from former players to their children and grandchildren.
For Ackermann, having multiple generations on the field is central to the project’s purpose.
Sporting traditions run deep in his family, starting with his father Desmond van Eeden, his brother Stan van Eeden, a former mayor of Germiston and Elsburg, and his father-in-law Norman Dexter, who all played soccer and cricket for the historic Callies side in Driehoek.
Today, that legacy reaches its fourth generation through Ackermann’s daughter Carmen Nel, son Dylan Ackermann, and grandsons Owen Ferreira and Tristan Nel.
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Building on the momentum of the St Catherine’s gathering, the group hosted a second event on August 15 at Delville Bowling Club, attracting roughly 20 participants for a day on the greens.
A core pillar of the initiative is recognising the unsung heroes and stalwarts who have kept Germiston’s sports clubs alive over the decades. During the gatherings, certificates of appreciation were presented to long-time administrators and former managers Les Friend, Zorba Diniozos and Terry Ceronio.
Certificates were also presented to Delville Bowling Club barmen Amos Dlamini and Marks Maditsi for their years of dedicated service to local members.
“The list of returning local sporting figures includes Linton Cox, who managed cricket and soccer at Germiston Cricket Club for many years, alongside former cricket players Greggie Pienaar, Paul Liversage, Allan Dolman, Eddie du Preez, and me. Former Germiston soccer players and managers Dylan Ackermann, Chrissy Brits, Terry Ceronio, and Jacques Pretorius also took part,” said Ackermann.
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Looking ahead, the organisers plan to expand the initiative into a permanent, multi-sport platform.
The group has already partnered with Delville Bowling Club and Tryline Restaurant at Herman Immelman (Lappies), home to darts and Germiston Simmer Rugby Club.
Future plans include selling branded caps to raise exposure and offering local business advertising opportunities within their network.
Ackermann emphasises that joining Germiston Boytjies is free and open to all former sportsmen, sportswomen, and their families who wish to help revitalise local facilities and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Former players, clubs, and community members looking to get involved can contact Danie Ackermann directly on 083 441 7995.
