According to Sports Academy George Director Wayne McAfee, a 13-year-old player went into the ocean to retrieve a soccer ball during a kick-about following a training session on the beach. "Three coaches from the academy, Ryan Smith, Oliver Corsie and George courageously came to the aid of the young boy. Due to the severe undercurrent, the coaches got into difficulties, but managed to save the boy. Tragically, George disappeared in the water and Ryan and Oliver had to be taken to hospital with minor injuries."
Nombande was swept out to sea and his body has yet to be found despite several attempts by the NSRI and police divers. None of the coaches who braved the waves are able to swim. Smith is from Ireland and Corsie from England.
ER24, Metro Emergency Services and the NRSI were called to the scene just 400m east from the NSRI station on Wilderness beach in front of Salina's Restaurant. The boy and coaches got into trouble at about 12:45 and Smith, Corsie and the young boy managed to get out alive. Smith and Corsie were treated for water inhalation at the scene and taken to hospital for treatment. The NSRI boat was launched at about 13:15, but by then there was no sign of Nombande.
McAfee says they are shocked and saddened by the loss of their beloved coach, captain, brother and friend. "George was a hero, not just on Saturday, but in so many ways. Words can't express what an amazing, selfless man he was, loved by all who knew or met him. Due to George's courageous act there is a 13-year-old boy safe at home with his family. We are comforted by the fact that he loved and served Jesus Christ with a passion. George epitomised what Sports Academy is all about: being a positive Christian role model in his community. We are devastated to have lost him and he will be sorely missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."
Nombande attended Sports Academy in 2008 (formerly known as Out of Africa Mission Academy) as a player and captained the u.17 soccer team on an overseas tour to Ireland in 2010. On finishing his studies at Parkdene High School he began working for the Sports Academy ministry full-time. His roles included managing their Muscle Room gym in Borcherds, coaching their u.17 soccer team and mentoring and disciplining young students in Tyholora and Thembelathu Primary schools through the academy's Primary Schools Project.
He is survived by his parents, one brother and two sisters. His parents lost another son in a vehicle accident 10 years ago.
The search continues.
Smith is helped into the rescue vehicle that took him to the ambulance in the beach parking area. Photo: Ilse Schoonraad
Ryan Smith, George Nombande and Oliver Corsie, the three coaches who entered the ocean at Wilderness together to save a young boy's life. Smith and Corsie just managed to survive the rescue attempt, but Nombande is still missing.
ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD, GEORGE HERALD EDITOR
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