It is with great sadness that the Western Cape Government has heard of the passing of Charles Jongbloed, a legend who was a true champion for football.
Charles started playing junior football for the local club, Chelsea FC, in 1965. He then progressed to senior football in 1970 at age 16, moving to Everton FC. He went on to represent the Cape Herald All Star XI and Western Province from 1977 to 1979, as well as the South African XI in 1979. He won the coveted Cape Flats Local Football Association Sportsman of the Year in 1971, 1974, and 1977 as well as the Player of the year in 1971 and 1975, and the Maggot Trophy winners medal in 1976.
Charles was not only an athlete but also an avid administrator serving as Chairperson of Everton United from 1993 to 1997. He was named a lifetime member of Everton United in 2005 and remained an active member of the club for many years. In 2015, Charles was honoured as a Provincial Sport Legend by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said, “Charles was a true example of a life-long sportsman – he made the choice to participate in football and he continued giving back to his club and community once he finished playing. His passing is a tragic loss to the football and broader sporting community, and I know that his absence will be felt by those who loved him and learned from him. His legacy will however continue to live on through all those whose lives he touched by his love for the sport.”
Our condolences go out to Charles’ family, friends, and all those who knew him.
