Border rugby mourns loss of mentor to many, Ludwe Booi

Tributes have poured in from across the rugby community following the sudden death of former Border Bulldogs player and coach Ludwe Booi, who passed away this week at the age of 38 after a short illness. Booi died in hospital in East London, leaving family, friends and colleagues saddened by the loss of a man widely respected for his work with young players. Family friend Abongile Dlani said the family was still trying to come to terms with the news.

“The family is in total shock. He was just home at Engcobo last week,” Dlani said. “His mother is devastated and so are his three brothers.

“He was admitted to hospital after he started feeling pain. Within 24 hours he had passed away.” Dlani said Booi had played an important role in mentoring young players. “He was like a father figure to those kids,” he said.

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A former Border Bulldogs forward, Booi built a strong reputation as a coach and mentor across school, university and provincial rugby structures. During his coaching career, he was involved with Hudson Park High School, East London Police Rugby Club, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), the Border U20 and U21 teams and Border Bulldogs. WSU All Blacks head coach Thembani Mkokeli described Booi as a colleague and a friend. “It’s painful to hear that a great person like Ludwe is gone.

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