The KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) said yesterday that it learnt with shock of the death of Fred Forge.
The KZNCU said Forge was in the midst of compiling player profiles for a book commissioned by the KZNCU.
Dr Logan Naidoo, vice president of Cricket SA, who was the co-ordinator of this project, was at a loss for words when the news of Forge’s death was broken to him.
Naidoo said Forge had given his valuable time and energy to this project and that he found it a real joy and honour to have worked with him.
He said Forge had already completed more than 25 profiles of distinguished players and officials who played under the banner of the then Natal Cricket Association.
“KZN — indeed, South African — sport has lost an icon in sport journalism and his vast and valuable knowledge of sport in this country is also lost at his passing,” Naidoo said.
A.K. Khan, KZNCU president, was also taken by surprised by Forge’s death. “Only last week Fred’s valuable input toward the KZNCU book project and his continued involvement with capturing the history of cricket in KZN was discussed. We are sorry to hear about his death and hope in some small way the finalisation of the project will help to keep memories of Fred alive.”
KZNCU CEO Cassim Docrat, who had known Forge for decades, was equally shocked at his death.
“Fred was indeed a scholar of our sport and it was always a pleasure to tap his vast knowledge on the history of sport in our province. Our condolences go out to Fred’s family and friends.”
