GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Distinguish umpire of SWD Cricket, Faizel Samsoodien (63), passed away over the weekend after an outstanding career. Samsoodien was the first Cricket South Africa umpire that emerged from South Western Districts.

Samsodien originally hailed from Gauteng and moved to Mossel Bay in the mid-1990's where he was employed at PetroSA and became involved in umping when he was discovered by a former international umpire, the late Wilf Diedericks.

Samsodien's breakthrough as an umpire came 2010 when he officiated in the 2010 ICC Women's Cricket Challenge. Between 2010 and 2017 he officiated in 30 First Class, 26 List A and 16 T20 matches.

He was also actively involved as a member of the executive committee of the SWD Cricket Umpires Association where he served in many positions including the portfolio of chairman. At the time of his passing, he was the training coordinator of the association.

Many ex-colleagues and players paid tribute to him on various social media platforms including Jean Neethling, a former Chairman of the SWD Cricket Umpires Association. "This is such shocking and sad news. Faizel was a legend in cricket circles, true gentleman. I went to countless tournaments with him and we spent countless meetings together. Faizel was always in control of any situation and did great things for the SWD Cricket Umpires Association as training coordinator and chairperson. He was also a true and loyal friend. We will miss him greatly. Rest in peace my old friend," Neethling posted.

In his tribute, the president of SWD Cricket, Rudy Claassen, said that Samsoodien will surely be missed. "On behalf of the cricket fraternity of the SWD, I would like to honour his contribution towards SWD Cricket. Our heartfelt condolences his family."

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