Sadly, Oom Tat passed away on Sunday at the age of 79 after a long illness. His passing has plunged the rugby community not just in Bloemfontein and the Free State into mourning, but the whole of South Africa, too. It's a sombre moment; we have truly lost a giant of the game.

The late Botha had an exceptional, almost uncanny, eye for talent. For many years, he scoured the landscape, scouting raw prospects to join the University of the Free State (UFS), setting them on a path that would often lead to representing the Free State, the Cheetahs, and ultimately, the revered green-and-gold of the Springboks.

His proteges included some of the very best to don the hallowed national jersey, such as the current Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, as well as Daan Human (current Springbok scrum coach), Franco Smith (current Glasgow Warriors head coach), Juan Smith, Ruan Pienaar (current Cheetahs backline coach), André Venter, Ruben Kruger, and André Joubert, to name but a very few. The list, frankly, is endless. And that is just a testament influence and dedication of Oom Tat.

While currently on tour in Europe with the Springboks, Erasmus took time out from their busy schedule to pay a heartfelt homage to Botha on X, tweeting: “Oom Tat jy was 'n yster! Ons almal is baie lief vir jou.” A powerful, simple message from one rugby great to another.

Oom Tat jy was n yster! Ons almal is baie lief vir jou ?????? pic.twitter.com/3r7c4VfhZV

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 23, 2025

The Chairman of Shimlas Rugby, Marius van Rensburg, in turn, told OFM Sport that Oom Tat had a deep and unwavering love for Kovsies rugby, and he touched the lives of many, and his memory will long be savoured at Shimla Park.

“He was a rugby man through-and-through, and he made countless friends across the community with his colourful and humorous personality,” said Van Rensburg.

“I got to see his exceptional eye for identifying young talent - both Rassie Erasmus and Daan Human, now Springbok coaches themselves, were especially close to his heart for various reasons. He had a particular love for the props, fondly referring to them as his ‘dromme’ (drums). His influence on the careers of many outstanding rugby players, as well as on all of us at the UFS Rugby Club, was truly significant. His legacy is immense.

“I still remember how he insisted that we learn the words of Flower of Scotland before attending a Test at Murrayfield in Edinburgh during the 2004 Shimla tour. I only realised the value of that moment when I had the privilege to attend a Test at Murrayfield again with my son last year in 2024.

“He will truly be missed. I just hope that we can honour his legacy at the UFS Rugby Club. His footsteps are all over Shimla Park, and they will remain there with us forever.”

A memorial service, a final, fitting honour to Oom Tat, will be held on 5 December at Shimla Park, with proceedings getting under at 10:00. All are welcome to come and say a final farewell to a true South African rugby legend.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport