Cape Town - Tributes have poured in for rugby analyst, life coach, and University of the Western Cape (UWC) Professor Wilbur Kraak, who passed away at the weekend.
Kraak, 40, died from a stroke on Saturday.
He was the founder of WJK Coaching Consultancy; a researcher at UWC; and a former professor at the University of the Free State.
Kraak also worked for e.tv’s BÔll and Ôll, a weekly rugby talk show focusing on the club, the player, the game, and the community.
UWC rector and vice-chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, said he was shocked to learn of Kraak’s passing.
“He was a passionate, enthusiastic and eager person who will be really missed and his short time with us will leave a footprint – not only on his students and staff but all that were privileged to have been enriched by his love, energy and presence at UWC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young family at this time,” he said.
Kraak’s colleague, Professor Barry Andrews, said even though Kraak joined UWC in the fourth term last year, he made a huge impact in the short time he was at the university.
“During Wilbur’s time at UWC, he became a valued member of staff and a mentor to all of our students.
“He not only worked well with staff and students at the Sport, Recreation, and Exercise Science Department but also engaged in one of his passions of working and uplifting sports teams.
“This was achieved in his spare time by volunteering at UWC Sports Administration, assisting with rugby and other high-performance sport.
“Wilbur excelled in furthering research and education of sport at UWC as he presented at workshops and talks within the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences and internationally under the UWC banner,” Andrews said.
Andrews added that Kraak was an ambassador for UWC and the student residence department, engaging in numerous radio and TV interviews for the university.
One of the teams that he coached, St Georges Rugby Club, said Kraak’s transformative efforts and scientific approaches brought fresh perspectives to the game of rugby.
“Under his exceptional leadership, our club achieved promotion to Super League A encounter competition in 2015, a significant milestone for both our club and community.
“His contribution extended beyond the field as he introduced groundbreaking techniques such as video analysis and physiotherapy, which have become integral to our game strategy,” the club said.
The club added that Kraak was not only an innovative coach but he was also a beloved people person whose inspirational leadership, passion and love for rugby will always be remembered.
Universal Rugby Football Club said Kraak’s generosity and support were instrumental in helping the club during times of need, and his contributions will always be remembered and appreciated.
Stellenbosch University Division of Sport Science said: “Prof Kraak has left behind a legacy and we will miss him dearly. He has touched every student's heart at our department and UWC.”
Cape Argus