Former chairman of the Namibia Premier League (NPL) Peter John van Wyk has died at age 69, the family officially announced yesterday. Van Wyk died last week Wednesday, 7 April 2021, following a lengthy battle with an illness.

Van Wyk, who was NPL chairman between 2006 and 2007, was also chairman of Civics and was instrumental in the transformation of Civics, leading up to their success during the 2003 NFA Cup and winning multiple league titles during the 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, as well as the 2006 FNB Cup.

The late Van Wyk was elected NPL chairman in 2006 following a re-run of the elections, which saw him beat Anton van Wyk to the NPL’s top position. 

Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, Paul Stramis, who worked closely with Peter John during their time at Civics, described the late Peter John as a man who served football to the best of his ability and was equally instrumental in mapping out a new direction for Namibian football through his success at Civics in the mid and late 2000s.

“He was not just a close colleague during our time at Civics but he was like family to me as got to grow so close over the years. I learned a lot from him, as he was also a brilliant businessman. I can confidently say Peter played his part in developing local football and served to the best of his ability. Personally, I will miss him as a colleague and as family. Namibian football has lost a knowledge man indeed,” said Stramis.