RIP | Former Golden Lions CEO dies of Covid-19

Former Golden Lions CEO Manie Booysen has died after contracting Covid-19.

He was 66.

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According to Netwerk24, Booysen had tested positive for the coronavirus shortly before his death.

Manie Booysen time at the head of the union from January 2013 to August 2014 coincided with a challenging period at the Johannesburg franchise during which they dropped out of Super Rugby.

Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, extended his condolences to Booysen’s family.

“We really feel for Magda, his children and grandchildren as they have lost a great husband, dad and grandfather,” said Alexander.

“Manie really was a wonderful man with so much empathy, love for his family and sadly for us, a rugby man of great pedigree.

“The rugby fraternity has lost someone who really cared for the game, from the early days as a player at Oostelikes club till his time as CEO of the Golden Lions.

“He was a good source of advice to me personally and all of us who dealt with him in the boardroom say goodbye to a man of integrity and good standing.”

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Alexander added that Booysen was immensely popular and served the Lions well during a difficult time in their history, developing solid and lasting relationships with all the different unions of SA Rugby.

“A most diligent man and always immaculate in his appearance and place of work, Manie was a fine example of how constructive we can be as human beings,” added Alexander.

“He will be missed by all with sadness, but also gratitude that we knew a man who showed us the best of mankind.”