The South African Rugby Union was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death overnight of former Springbok technical analyst Malome Peter Maimane (41). Maimane was admitted to hospital on Tuesday and passed away after a short illness.
“This is very sad news indeed,” said Mr Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union. “Apart from his technical expertise, Malome’s larger-than-life personality set him apart.
“He was one of the real characters of the Springbok squad in the time he was with them; a man of great good humour and positivity who was always ready with a laugh and joke to brighten the team environment.”
Maimane had a string of credits to his coaching CV, since obtaining his first coaching qualification at the age of 23 in 1994. He graduated through various age group teams to coach the Vodacom Blue Bulls Merit ‘A’ to their championship in 2003 and also worked as a technical adviser to both the Vodacom Bulls and Lions Super Rugby teams – whom he also managed.
He was appointed as an analyst to both the SA Under-19 and Emerging South Africa teams and in 2008 became part of the Springbok management team under Peter de Villiers. He served with the Springboks for the next four years until the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“I would like to send our condolences to Malome’s family and his many, many friends,” said Mr Hoskins. “He is in our thoughts and prayers. We will really miss him.”