South African Hockey on Tuesday announced that Executive Board Member Allistar ‘Ally’ Fredericks has passed on.
CAPE TOWN – South African Hockey on Tuesday announced that Executive Board Member Allistar ‘Ally’ Fredericks has passed on.
A post on SA Hockey’s official website read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Executive Board Member Allistar ‘Ally’ Fredericks.
“Ally was an Atlanta 1996 Olympian and a legend of the game bringing hope to many.
“Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
His inclusion in the Atlanta 1996 Olympics Games team was significant because he was the first player of colour to represent the national hockey team.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Executive Board Member Allistar "Ally" Fredericks.
Ally was an Atlanta 1996 Olympian and a legend of the game bringing hope to many. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/ECVLke0V66— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) June 15, 2021
Sundesh Mahes, a former hockey player who played against Fredericks at the annual Easter Tournament in 2000 in East London, paid tribute to a national hockey stalwart who was an opponent at several inter-provincial hockey tournaments.
“I received the sad news that Allistar Fredericks passed away,” said Mahes. “He was the president of the Southern Gauteng Hockey Association and held down other positions as well on the national hockey landscape.
“This is indeed a sad day for his family and the hockey community. ‘Alli’ was a hero amongst the hockey fraternity.
“He was undoubtedly the most skilful player in South Africa for many years. We lost a huge influence in SA hockey today.”
In an interview back in 2018 Fredericks was asked what has been keeping him busy since his retirement.
He said: “Since retirement I have coached at National and Provincial Level, been the assistant coach to SA men for about five years, a selector for a few years and now I am the Convenor of selectors.
“I also run the Allistar Fredericks Hockey Development Trust fund, we fund hockey-playing kids in need of a good academic foundation and quality hockey school, Beaulieu College offers all of these, I also run my own PSi Franchise called PSi Gauteng Gryphons and an indoor business which has kept a lot of us busy.”
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