Oshwin Andries remembered by coaches: 'No human being deserves to lose a life like that'

The passing of Stellenbosch FC starlet Oshwin Andries has cut deep, especially with his South Africa Under-20 coaches, who worked with him extensively at junior national team level where he'd already marked himself out as a star.

Andries, a talented 19-year-old footballer, who could shift seamlessly between being a defender and a midfielder, died tragically on Saturday after being stabbed.

His passing sent shockwaves through the footballing community.

Andries, Stellenbosch FC's youngest DStv Premiership goal-scorer, had already featured in eight games this season and was shaping up well for Steve Barker's side.

Talent scout and technical analyst Sinesipho Mali, who worked with Andries with the national Under-20 side, where Andries was captain, was left shocked.

"To lose someone of his profile and ability at a young age is so painful," Mali told News24.

"He was young and still establishing himself as a player. I watched him just last week Friday against Cape Town City and he had a good game.

"You expect to see him grow as a player, but he's gone. It's sad and it makes you wonder what it will take as a country to do things a bit better to ensure our communities are safer.

"No human being deserves to lose a life in that manner. It's very sad."

There was also a moment of silence in honour of Andries' memory in Sunday's Diski Challenge and DStv Premiership games, a gesture that'll be extended through to this week's Nedbank Cup fixtures.

South Africa Under-20 coach Vela Khumalo, who also works with Kaizer Chiefs, said they'd also earmarked Andries for bigger things from an Under-23 perspective, but all they're left with are memories of his ability and leadership.

"There was good growth in him. He had talent and he was a fighter," Khumalo