Dear readers, please pardon me, my ageing fingers are trampling and shivering like a concertina player in a fired-up shuffling ‘Boere Orkes’ (Afrikaners live music band), as I’m brutally hammering the keyboards of my trusted blue laptop inking a fitting tribute to a great man of substance, Christo Alexander.
Truthfully, the author got to know the cool as a cucumber ‘Boeta Chris’ as an exceptional upright dude, honest, warm, kind-hearted fellow, extremely knowledgeable, honest dedicated man and an intellectual par excellence. A genuine easygoing streetwise ‘Outie’, the brother lived and loved the oval ball game of rugby like nobody’s business.
As much as we are saddened by the sudden loss of Bro Chris and therefore morally obligated to express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family, FNB Reho Falcon Rugby Club and the entire rugby community, we should celebrate the life and legacy of this great son of the soil for the wonderful moments we shared with him throughout the years.
Born Christopher Heinrich Alexander in 1967, Victoria West, Christo was a proud product of the revered University of the Western Cape (UWC) in the beautiful Mother City, Cape Town. Tellingly, contrary to his undying passion, unsurpassed dedication and steadfast involvement with the development of Namibian rugby. He was always hands-on at the school level. Admittedly, the usually cool-headed astute sports administrator never really played competitive club rugby as he was more into swinging racquets hitting tennis balls on the courts and sporadically chasing after an inflated piece of spherical object made of pigskin (football). However, it was indeed in the challenging space of administration where the brother demonstrated immense talent as an excellent thinker in addition to his unparalleled man-management skills that placed him a cut above his peers.
Former roommate and fellow student at the UWC campus, local socialite Andre September, describes his buddy as a courteous and respectful person emitting a serious disposition that often belied the good sport man he always was. ‘Engaging in conversations, Christo was always ready to discuss or even debate a point with sharp analyses and sober discernment. Daai ‘snaakse glimlag’ (that cheeky smile) that could disarm anyone. ‘He has now taken his rest with the ancestors in a way I reflected in a Sermon on Hebrews 12 during a Pentecost Service. Rest in peace my friend, forever in our hearts.
Condolences to Christo’s family and friends, read a portion from the well-crafted tribute Verbatim. Hundreds of mourners that included former classmates, friends and close family members from far afield as neighbouring South Africa had the spacious Rhenisch Evangelical Lutheran Church (R.E.L.C), burst into seams during an emotional memorial service in Rehoboth, on Tuesday evening. Dozens of speakers joined the Celebrant at the Altar, showering the much-adored Alexander with praises for his flawless life journey. They were all in unison sharing kind words and beautiful insights into the life of a loved one….much to the delight of the large congregation.
Go well Manfred Christiaan 1987 – 2025
A tragic end to an enforced abbreviated journey well-travelled, albeit briefly, the heartbroken relegation of Kharas representatives in the country’s flagship football league the National Football Premiership (NFPL) Young Brazilians, aka ‘Dakaza Boys’ has brutally coincided with the tragic death of one of the club’s cornerstones Manfred Christiaan.
The latter was the designated team manager of Karasburg’s youthful outfit Young Brazilians, a portfolio he certainly held with great aplomb. Christian’s precious life was cut short after he perished in a horrific head-on collision with a heavy truck.
The unfortunate accident occurred between Keetmanshoop (//Kharas region) and Mariental (Hardap region). Christiaan was a trusted dedicated servant of the club. He will be sorely missed by those he mingled with and worked with. Truthfully, his untimely death has left a void in the annals of domestic football. May his soul rest in eternal peace in one piece.