By CHESLEY DANIELS
It is with great sadness to learn the unexpected and sudden passing of Lucius Jordaan this week. ‘Gaffie’ was without doubt one of the sporting legends and greats of Grahamstown. He was a fantastic all round sportsman who excels in more than one sporting code.
Lucius Patrick Jordaan was born on 3 January 1983 in Grahamstown and attended St Mary’s Primary in Grahamstown. He started his rugby career at prop forward for the U11 and U13 team, when coach Godfrey Van Vught picked him for the first time. After a few good performances, his natural talent and skills were immediately recognized and he was later selected at centre.
Jordaan went to high school at Mary Waters and represent the U14 and U15’s at centre before being chosen at fly half, his favourite position. It was at fly half were he made a name for himself with his natural skills. He was a very dangerous and physical competitor and put in some excellent match winning performances for Mawas 1sts. He first represented Mawas 1st XV at the age of 15 years and also played for the then Universals “Die Bye” whilst at school.
A game everyone will remember was against the touring Saracens side at Rhodes in 1998. He was voted Man of the Match that day for his all round brilliant performance, a match which Mawas also won. Lucius secured a full sporting scholarship at Kingswood. He later became the captain of the Kingswood 1st XV. Jordaan also exceled as an EP Schools cricketer as an all round player. He was one of the fastest bowlers at school and made it in to the SA Rural side with JP Duminy (current SA Protea all rounder).
Jordaan went on to play for Brumbies after graduating at Kingswood and was one of the most promising players in their ranks. He played at fly half and inside centre. In his illustrious career at Brumbies, he won numerous accolades and represented EP Rural Team, EP Country Districts, EP Mighty Elephants and EP Amateur side. He was regarded as one of the biggest hitters on defense in the Grand Challenge and a constant threat to his opponents. He retired from playing a few years ago and concentrated on coaching.
Lucius became the coach of Kingswood U13’s and later assistant coach to Quinton Tait for the 1st XV side in 2011 that beat St Andrews at KDay. He later became the Head Coach of Brumbies 1st Reserves. He obtained an IRB Level 2 Coaching certificate and continued his passion for coaching.
Jordaan also coached his son Jean-Luc in rugby and cricket.
Gaffie represented Willows, Sidbury and Swallows at club level and EP Rural cricket. He was an excellent father to his son and has gone the extra mile in developing his sporting skills. Jordaan attended his son’s rugby, cricket and squash matches while staying in PE for the past two years. His son is also a provincial cricket and squash player.
His sudden and unexpected death was a devastating shock to the broader sporting fraternity as he was one of the sporting legends of Grahamstown. A GIANT has fallen. RIP Lucius Patrick Gaffie Jordaan.
