BBK UNPLUGGED | Farewell, Jermaine Craig, You’ll Never Walk Alone

It is unsurprising that the sudden passing of Jermaine Craig has left those who knew and loved him reeling.

It reflects the ABC characteristics that embodied his person.

Affable. Brilliant. Charming. The man was also a resident of Triple R Avenue. Respectful. Resourceful. Resilient.

Death has wiped from the face of the earth a friendly fellow with a warm, welcoming smile. No more shall we see the lanky lad light up a room with his poised presence. All we are left with are memories.

One of the most enduring memories was when he and I were part of a group of journalists who travelled to Germany, host of the 2006 World Cup.

Xolile Mtshazo, Dominic Chimhavi, Mninawa Ntloko, Tim Modise, Molefi Mika, Sifiso Cele and Sy Lerman were part of the trip.

Jermaine took ill during the trip. We rushed him to hospital.

There was a hiccup with the admission process. Matshelane Mamabolo, Jermaine’s colleague sent to Germany to cover the event for the Independent Newspapers group, called their boss, Jovial Rantao, who resolved the crisis and Jermaine was admitted and nursed back to health.

The point to the above passage is that Jermaine never missed a moment to, at least to me, express his heartfelt gratitude for the gesture. An unwritten rule among soccer scribes is that we may be competitors at home, but once we venture beyond the borders of the republic, we take care of each other.

Once back on his feet, Jermaine flew career-wise as he transitioned from scribe to spokesperson. Big things awaited him after making his mark by putting pen to paper with award-winning finesse on football coverage.

He proved his mettle as a consummate communicator and behind the scenes organiser with his work in the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup — the tournament precursor Fifa used to test the readiness of the host nation a year before the quadrennial spectacle. It was natural that he graduated to the next level.

What followed was an even bigger service to his beloved country. He became the face of communications for Africa’s grandest sporting event, the 2010 Fifa World Cup, starring alongside Rich Mkhondo.

What has struck me in the last couple of days since his demise on Monday is that Jermaine was a type of person who endeared himself to people even outside the football and sport domain. He could strike a conversation with anyone and make them feel appreciated.

Post World Cup he remained a prominent mover and shaker who worked in silence. His star continued to shine. Inasmuch as he was visible, he at the same time seemed shy of the spotlight. He was reserved and satisfied to allow his work to speak for him.

What has struck me in the last couple of days since his demise on Monday is that Jermaine was a type of person who endeared himself to people even outside the football and sport domain. He could strike a conversation with anyone and make them feel appreciated.

We all have a blot on our book. None among us is an angel. Jermaine certainly never pretended to be one. I’m convinced he touched many he encountered in his journey in an impactful way.

More so his wife and children. Michelle, Matthew and Christian have not just lost a husband and a father. His kindred have not just lost one of theirs. We all are left poorer in the absence of one of the realest people whose path I have been privileged to cross.

I don’t know if Liverpool Football Club will win the English Premier League in May. But if they do — or should I say, when — I know that Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi, sports scribe Simnikiwe Xabanisa, broadcaster Robert Marawa, cricket coach Geoffrey Toyana and all those of us who never walk alone, will rejoice in Jermaine's memory. You’ll Never Walk Alone Jermaine; Sbali, the term of endearment that was your signature greeting.

We will never travel to the hallowed ground of Anfield together. If I do happen to return to the home of the Reds, I will once more stand next to the stature of Bill Shankly, on the back of my shirt sporting: Jermaine, 47, your age at the time of death.