SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan has sent his condolences to the family of Joost van der Westhuizen describing the former Springboks scrumhalf as one of the greatest sportsmen this country has ever produced.
Van der Westhuizen died on Monday after losing battle with motor neuron disease. He was 45.
The former Bulls captain who was diagnosed with the illness in 2011, played 89 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2003.
He scored a then-Springbok record 38 tries and is widely regarded as one of the game’s finest-ever scrumhalves.
“We are very saddened at this heartbreaking development and on behalf of the entire football family, would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of such a great sporting icon. The country has lost one of the greatest rugby players of all time. May his soul rest in peace,” said Dr Jordaan.