Kudus pays tribute to James De Koker

Rudi Bowe

The management and players of FNB Kudu Rugby Club paid their last respect on Wednesday 11 August to an ex-player and management member.

The rugby fraternity and especially FNB Kudu Rugby Club is in a sombre mood following the untimely passing of Kudu legend, James De Koker on Saturday 7 August after suffering heart failure.
James De Koker joined Kudu Rugby Club after matriculating at De Duine High. In 1990 the former lock join the Club for a few years and it was only in 2014 when he became a Managing member for 6 years.
James De Koker contributed a lot to the development of the players and therefore, leaves behind a generation of athletes who aspire for his legendary sportsmanship. His was committed, a hard working player and managing member at the Club. De Koker was loved and received great respect from all the players.

The patron of FNB Kudu Rugby Club Zane Jansen said that James De Koker was one of the Club’s main sponsors for the past five years and made valuable contributions to the club and that these contributions did not pass unnoticed.
It is Jansen’s believe that many of the players that showed their last respect on Wednesday night might also become sponsors in the future, because James De Koker gave them a change in life to show off their potential.
According to Zane Jansen a sponsor is more than a bridge between hunger and strength, thirst and renewal, fear and know-ledge, desperation and hope, and that was James, always willing to assist wherever help was needed.

Jansen says that the contributions JDK Logistix made to the club opened the door of opportunities to many of our players and that the club wishes to thank the De Koker family for their generous donations towards the club in the past years.
“We as Kudu family can only draw lessons from his fighting spirit on and off field the field as rugby administrator.
James death at the tender age of 49 leaves all Namibians bereft of a rugby hero” Jansen said.
“Kudu Rugby Club will miss his humility and joy for life with which James De Koker conducted himself during his illustrious career as Kudu Managing Member that inspired hundreds of young children”
The passing of James is a sad chapter in the history of Kudu Rugby Club. His contributions to Kudu Rugby Club were immense. Therefore. Kudu Rugby Club salutes him for the extraordinary achievements he recorded in a life that sadly ended prematurely.

Rest in Peace Legend James De Koker.