IT has been a sombre start to the year for the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club and the family of revered chairperson, Clifford Charles Malan, as they mourn his untimely passing on December 20, 2024.

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Affectionately known as Cliff or ‘The Ballie’, Malan was born in Zambia of Scottish heritage on August 20, 1961. In the late 1970s he moved to Amanzimtoti, where he founded Team Renovate while being active in cycling, spinning and his favourite sport, rugby.

After hanging up his boots he remained active within the rugby club and was eventually elected chairperson for several terms, arguably the longest serving in the history of the club, and it was a position he held until his death.

Recognising his immense contribution towards rugby, and in particular the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club, the club’s president, Dr Michael Mthethwa, recommended that the KZN Rugby Union (KZNRU) consider an annual tournament on its calendar so that his contribution can be remembered by future generations.

Councillor Andre Beetge called on Vernon Chetty of the KZNRU to lobby for the rugby field to be officially recognised as the Cliff Malan field in his honour, while at the same time committing the same with the eThekwini Municipality.

The Malan family wish to extend appreciation for all those who attended his memorial and sent messages of support and assisted during these trying times. May his soul rest in peace.

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