Goolam Rajah, former South Africa team manager, dies of Covid-19-related complications

Rajah managed the men's national team from 1992 till his retirement in 2011

29-Jun-2021

Goolam Rajah, the former manager of the South Africa men's cricket team, has died of Covid-19-related complications in Johannesburg. Rajah was 74. He had spent most of the last two months on ventilator in a hospital in the city, but succumbed as South Africa, and the Gauteng province in particular, deals with a massive surge in Covid-19 cases.

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Rajah, a pharmacist by profession, managed the national men's side from 1992 until his retirement in 2011, and was known to be much loved by the players. He was in the dressing room for many big moments, including the memorable 1999 World Cup semi-final, where he remembered seeing the players cry after South Africa were knocked out.

Rajah had been with the team for more than 600 matches, working alongside as many as 107 players.

"It is a very sad day for the South African Cricket Family," CSA Acting Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki said. "Goolam was a very special human being who has touched so many lives in a positive way in the 30 years we have enjoyed being a democratic cricket organization. "We all have our special memories of him which we will treasure. He was truly a man who gave a great deal to the game of cricket and to everybody involved in it. "

Former captain Graeme Smith said Rajah was like a "father figure" for most of the players.

"He took care of everything with such detail that the players were able to focus totally on the cricket and that was why his tenure was so successful," Smith said. "The players were particularly appreciative of the way he looked after their wives and partners on away tours. We will indeed be fortunate to see his like again."

Truly sad to hear of the passing of Goolam Rajah- a friend and legendary team manager of the Proteas. He was an integral part of my cricketing journey, always professional and treated us as family. Thoughts are with Poppy and family. pic.twitter.com/oDghH5V2HD
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) June 29, 2021

Sad news hearing of the passing of Goolam Rajah. What a good man we have lost. Thoughts and prayers to family. RIP my pal
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) June 29, 2021

Goolam was an outstanding and gentle person. Got to know him well through the years. He was kind and generous and I have so many wonderful memories of him and the great conversations we had. Condolences to the family may he Rest In Peace.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 29, 2021

I will now have to delete #GoolamRajah's telephone number off my phone. SA cricket is much poorer now that he is gone. When players were treated unfairly, he was there to comfort and reassure you of your abilities. He was humble, loved and a Giant of his time!#RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/vTxXDsGiJb
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 29, 2021

Goolam Rajah South Africa