Basson passes on

PATRICK Basson was not the best of strikers but he certainly was among the best during that time, scoring crucial goals when everybody least expected it.

The pacey Basson played for Tigers and African Stars during the twilight of his soccer career and later on he turned out for Black Africa. I specifically remember him for his last-minute goal for Tigers as a super sub against African Stars during the 1988 Novel Ford Cup semi-final.That goal came 16 seconds before the final whistle and it forced matters into a penalty shootout, which Tigers eventually won to play and lose to Orlando Pirates in the final, courtesy of two Ambrosius Vyff free kicks.Basson was once again on as a sub, but the Pirates back four got his number and he could not do anything in those few minutes.That is a match embedded in my memory forever.Apart from soccer, Basson was also a terrific sprinter and he shared the tartan track with the likes of Frank Fredericks, Desiderius Baffrath, Abram So-Oabeb, Lucky Gawanab, Gindies Gawanab (also a Black Africa defender) and many others who competed in the Chamber of Mines Athletics Competitions, which were events not to be missed during those days.Basson was one of the unsung heroes of the Namibian soil.May his soul rest in peace.Basson passed away on Tuesday and funeral arrangements will be made known soon.I specifically remember him for his last-minute goal for Tigers as a super sub against African Stars during the 1988 Novel Ford Cup semi-final.That goal came 16 seconds before the final whistle and it forced matters into a penalty shootout, which Tigers eventually won to play and lose to Orlando Pirates in the final, courtesy of two Ambrosius Vyff free kicks.Basson was once again on as a sub, but the Pirates back four got his number and he could not do anything in those few minutes.That is a match embedded in my memory forever.Apart from soccer, Basson was also a terrific sprinter and he shared the tartan track with the likes of Frank Fredericks, Desiderius Baffrath, Abram So-Oabeb, Lucky Gawanab, Gindies Gawanab (also a Black Africa defender) and many others who competed in the Chamber of Mines Athletics Competitions, which were events not to be missed during those days.Basson was one of the unsung heroes of the Namibian soil.May his soul rest in peace.Basson passed away on Tuesday and funeral arrangements will be made known soon.