Football ‘legend’ Jan died during golf game

Jan 2 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

A RETIRED footballer collapsed and died as he played a round of golf on Boxing Day.

Cardiff-born Jan Bekker, of Brackla, Bridgend, died after completing a round at the Coed y Mwstwr club – just two days after celebrating his 57th birthday.

His family today described him as “a legend who will be missed and remembered by all”.

In a moving tribute, his three children – Leeann, Sally and Jason – said: “Dad, you are the best. We know in our hearts you will keep on looking after all of us.

“Stay happy and please don’t worry – whatever we do we know that you are watching.

“We are very proud of you and thank you for being so amazing in every way. We love you and miss you forever. Life will never be the same without you.”

Bekker signed for Bridgend Town FC in 1969 when he was just 18. His goals helped them become Welsh League champions for a second time in 1972-73.

He was spotted by Swansea City manager Harry Griffiths and whisked to the Vetch Field in 1975.

The star, who went on to become player-manager at Tondu Robins and manager at Garw Athletic, was the son of Dutch air force mechanic Frans who came to Britain during World War II.

Nazi troops occupied Frans’ hometown of Arnhem in 1940, forcing him into hiding.

His son returned to Bridgend Town’s Coychurch Road ground – now being built over for a new road as part of the town’s Asda development – as manager in the 1990s.

Last year, he described his love for the club and its legacy.

He said: “Bridgend were the best non-league side in Wales in the 1970s and a couple of semi-finals in the Welsh Cup were the highlights when I was there.

“I remember three or four thousand people cramming into Coychurch Road for a cup semi-final against Cardiff City.

“It was a wonderful time for everyone involved and I have some great memories.”

Last June, Bekker won the Seniors Club Championship at Coed y Mwstwr – his first attempt at the over-55s championship.

In 2006 he and golfing partner Rob Davies reached the British finals of the International Pairs championship.

Bekker’s funeral takes place on Friday at Coychurch Crematorium at 10.30am.

ben.glaze@mediawales.co.uk