Tribute to Lyndon "Scotty" Smit

Firstly, my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Smit, his brother Rouvaun, his daughter Ruzenka, his granddaughter Riana, and his extended family and friends.

I don't feel very qualified to deliver this tribute, as there are many others who knew Lyndon at a much deeper and more personal level. But I will try to highlight his character through my encounters with him on the football field.

Stephanian AFC was the last football club that Lyndon joined as a member, but his association with the game extends the width and breadth of Cape Town. I know without a doubt that Lyndon played a pivotal role at all the clubs he played for, and he left an indelible mark on all the players who were able to call him a teammate. I'll go even further and say that Lyndon made a lasting impression on all footballers who came up against him—for his tenacity and never-say-die attitude. He was highly regarded by all and respected for his contributions to the game.

My life's journey with Lyndon started when I was between 8 and 10 years old in Park Avenue, Westridge, Mitchell's Plain. I had two sets of family who lived in Park Avenue—the Neethlings and the Mehls. Lyndon lived a few doors down the road from the Mehls in one of those distinctive double-story maisonettes. I wasn't a resident there, but I spent every school holiday and most weekends with my cousins who lived there.

Park Avenue was a magical place growing up. We had so many young families there, and it seemed like the kids were all around the same age. The holidays were filled with trips to the Studio One bioscope to watch double-feature movies—karate and a western. We'd visit the swimming baths in Silversands Road, take BMX rides down the hill behind Parkhurst, go on adventures in the garden behind the sports field, and then watch baseball and football at the Steven Reagan Sports Complex.

Some of the names that still bring happy memories were Gary and Larry Wessels, Alistair Pugin, the Titus brothers, Rouvaun, Victor, Ashley "Bubba," and the one and only Lyndon Smit. The crescents just off Park Avenue became our playground where Wimbledon tennis, ICC Cricket, and the World Cup Football Tournament took place on a regular basis. Although this was a long, long time ago, I remember the wonderful times with Lyndon as one of the happy faces in the crowd.

My family moved out of Westridge in 1986, and this brought an end to our encounters as friends when we were around 12 to 13 years old. We would reacquaint ourselves a few short years later.

Lyndon was a member of Parkhurst Football Club, and it was here where I witnessed him excel as a young football player. Parkhurst dominated junior football in the Cape at the time, and Lyndon was one of their many star players. They were the kings of all the Challenge Cups in all the junior divisions, and the Mitchell's Plain Board teams were packed with Parkhurst players. Parkhurst were certainly the talk of the town at the time—their players and coaches were a cut above the rest. It was there that Lyndon developed his love for football that would serve him well as a player right into his 50s.

It was in 1996, while I was a member of a very good Stephanian Super League team, that our paths would cross again. Stephs was at the height of the game and campaigning in the semi-pro setup at the time. Our club had lost a number of its star players who had joined other professional clubs to take their game to the next level. Stephs were in trouble and needed new recruits urgently. This was when Elton Edwards, Chris Williams, Giggsy, and Lyndon Smit joined our club.

Abe Wymers was our coach, and the mission for this band of misfits was to survive a brutal league against very good opposition. By the end of the season, we managed to avoid relegation by the skin of our teeth, and Lyndon played a crucial role in our quest to stay alive in the league.

Before the onset of the next season, our club executive decided to sell our franchise as they were not prepared to risk another year. I think Pepe Do Santos bought the franchise and started Cape Town Chiefs. With this, Stephs had to go back to the local LFA of Cape District and start all over. Our Mitchell's Plain contingent, which included Lyndon, decided to continue their football elsewhere.

During his time with me as a teammate, Lyndon identified himself as a warrior on the field and a fantastic friend off it. He was honest and straightforward in his assessments of matches, and he was able to give sound advice to his teammates. Off the field was where some of the best times were had. There was never a dull moment while the game was dissected over a few choice beverages.

Our paths would cross years later again in the Cape Town Tygerberg veterans league. Lyndon had turned up at Tableview Football Club, where he was cementing himself as a club stalwart. Stephs were the dominant force in the league and were regularly winning the double year in, year out with our star-studded team.

Our clashes with Tableview—with Lyndon anchored in the midfield—were the stuff of legends on and off the field. We were always victorious in our encounters, but Lyndon could always be counted on to pull off something special for his team. I remember a coolly taken free kick that bamboozled our goalkeeper and took the shine off our 8-1 victory. Needless to say, the biggest talk after the game—and for many years thereafter—was the Lyndon goal in that particular match. We enjoyed fantastic moments with this particular Tableview team, with Lyndon at the heart of our shared joy.

It would only be fitting for Lyndon to return to Stephs when he reached the over-50 division. We had pleaded with him for years to make the short trip from Lansdowne Football to our club. We were thrilled when he joined us for his O50 debut.

In his first year as a player, Lyndon won the Knockout Trophy. The following year, in 2024, he followed it up with the CTTLFA O50 League Trophy—this time as player/manager. Lyndon was a proud man at our club's award ceremony where he went up to collect these prestigious trophies. Lyndon was a champion once again, but he didn't need the trophies to prove it.

My last moment shared with Lyndon was on a late Saturday morning at the clubhouse on a sunny day in May this year. Lyndon was sitting in front of the clubhouse. Myself, Clive April, and a few of the older ballies were just casually chatting. Lyndon was looking relaxed, wearing his Ray-Bans and enjoying the winter sun outside.

A few of us were going to watch the first team who were playing away from home. We asked Lyndon if he was going with us, but he declined. He said that he was going to take things easy and relax at home. We wished each other well and went off on our separate ways.

It was to be our last interaction, but thinking back, it was so appropriate. We shared a couple of laughs and talked about football—the way we always did.

Lyndon "Scotty" Smit, you have been a blessing to the game that we all love. Your passion for football had no boundaries, no matter where you played the game. You have etched a legacy for yourself that no one can erase. You have been a gift to football through all your exploits.

You did not belong to any one club. You belonged to football.

Rest in peace, my friend. Your Stephs family will always honor your memory.

Bradley Searle (Chairman)