Aleem Dar pays tribute to Rudi Koertzen after South African umpires passes away – He was always very co-operative
India Today
Former South Africa umpire Rudi Koertzen passed away in an accident and the cricket fraternity paid heartfelt tribute to him.
Veteran Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar paid tribute to former South Africa umpire Rudi Koertzen, who passed away on Tuesday, August 9 in an accident. Koertzen’s son said that his father was returning to his home from Cape Town after playing golf in the weekend when the mishap took place. Three other people also died in the car crash that took place on Tuesday morning.
Dar, also a former first-class cricketer, said that Koertzen, who breathed his last aged 73, was respected by the players in the cricket fraternity. Koertzen held the record for officiating in most international matches (331), which was later broken by the 54-year-old Dar.
"It is a very big loss, foremost for his family, and then for South Africa and cricket. I stood in so many games with him. He was not only very good as an umpire but also an excellent colleague, always very cooperative on field and also always willing to help off the field. Because of the way he was, he was also well-respected by players," Dar was quoted as saying.
Koertzen was among the three umpires along with Dar and West Indies’ Steve Bucknor to officiate in over 100 Test matches.
Marais Erasmus, also a former South African umpire, lauded Koertzen for showing a great amount of strength, mentally and physically.
"Rudi was such a strong character, physically and mentally. He paved the way for South African umpires to get to the world stage. Made us all believe it's possible. A true legend. As a young umpire, I learnt a lot from him," Erasmus said.
From 2002 to 2010, Koertzen was a part of ICC’s elite panel of umpires. He also officiated in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.
