The fact that one individual could impact and shape a plethora of human beings over many decades – all in their very own unique way – just underlines the character and personality of the honorary and life-long member of Sea Point Swifts in Abraham Jacobs (pictured right with his late wife Jeanettha).
Jacobs, or ‘Uncle AB’ as he was affectionately called, passed away peacefully at his home in Blombos Street in Bonteheuwel on June 6. He was 89 years old and would have celebrated his 90th birthday in two weeks’ time on June 25 – but it wasn’t to be…
A memorial service was held for Uncle AB at the Moravian church on Wednesday – attended by family, friends, former peers, administrators, neighbours and of course football players who came to pay their respect to the Godfather of Sea Point Swifts
Hence, one can expect the funeral – which will be held at the same church in Bonteheuwel on Saturday (14 June) with the viewing (at the church) commencing at 08:00 (until 08:30), will indeed attract many more as Uncle ‘AB’ left an indelible mark – not just on the maroon and sky-blue of his beloved Swifts, but also for the community of Bonteheuwel and the society at large.
Needless to say, the prefix ‘Uncle’ of his name wasn’t just uttered because it is what was expected and what one does when conversing with anyone older… However, it was because he was revered, marvelled, well-respected and all looked up to him wherever he went.
The loving and caring nature of Uncle AB was equally rivalled by his wealth of wisdom and charisma which he possessed. Furthermore, Uncle AB possessed immense mentorship and leadership qualities – if one were to compare it in football jargon, it’s like a complete footballer – and Jacobs was the equivalent of the complete and well-rounded human being as he lived by example.
Along with other stalwarts like Abduraghmaan Bassadien – they were extremely brilliant administrators.
Anecdotes from some of his children and former administrators and players who came through his hands, like Nazeem Dramat (who took over the reins from Uncle AB as chairman in the mid 1990’s) and Wayne Weitz amongst others, understandably lauded and heaped praise on a ‘gem’ of an administrator and coach.
Uncle AB was also one of the humblest individuals and never boasted or made it public what he did behind the scenes. Let’s not forget that the Metropolitan LFA would probably not have existed as his fortitude and drive laid the foundation. The Metropolitan Sportsfield was still just a bush during the dark days of apartheid.
Not to mention Uncle AB’s stance on sports politics, he did not waiver even through some of the Met and Swifts’ most tumultuous times… Like the time when Swifts moved to Kensington for a brief time of three years or so…
And Uncle AB, being the person that he was, gladly welcomed them back to the Met. He was the voice of reason and was guided and grounded by his ethics and principles. But don’t be fooled by the well and neatly-groomed silver fox-type of character who could have easily been mistaken for a Hollywood movie star, as Uncle AB was also no pushover.
As welcoming and approachable as Uncle AB came across, the uncle always seen on his Western Flyer bicycle, was surely no pushover. He did what was needed in his own subtle way. Which reminds me of one of my personal encounters I had with another player when we were still playing under 12.
So, long story short, we turned our backs on the club to play for Avendale Athletico in a knockout final at Hartleyvale Stadium. Uncle AB got wind of it.
We had to appear before the ‘Godfather’ which was very intimidating to say the least. Without lecturing and cursing, Uncle AB made his feelings known on treachery and simultaneously taught us the importance and price of loyalty – which is non-existent of late and just another word.
Hamba Kahle Uncle AB! He is survived by his two sons, eight daughters and grandchildren.
