Memorial match for Matthew

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In memory of two-year-old Matthew Malgas, who died in the bus accident on Heights Road a year ago, on 21 May, two rugby clubs held a ceremonial match on Saturday 6 May at the Nelson Mandela University in Saasveld.

Little Matthew accompanied his grandfather Willem Malgas, the chairperson of Excelsior Rugby Club, when the bus with 35 occupants - the entire Excelsior team - crashed down an embankment in the Wilderness area that Saturday evening, on their home to Plettenberg Bay after a rugby match at NMU.

According to Excelsior's coach, Martin Booysen, both teams held a special service in memory of Matthew at NMU at the end of last year.

At the time of the accident, the Excelsior team took the Heights Road in Wilderness to connect to the N2, since Madiba Drive was closed due to flood damage. Matthew's death was mourned by the entire Excelsior Rugby Club and Wittedrift community.

"Matthew's death is a huge loss to all," Booysen said after the fatal accident. The little boy was always present at all the Saturday matches, since most of his family was involved in the club. Matthew's mom, Lucretia Malgas, is the secretary; Matthew's dad, Jacques McClean, is a team member and his grandfather is the chairperson.

'Watching with us'

Lucretia Malgas said the "In memory of Matthew" game two weeks ago was very emotional for Jacques, herself, her parents and the Excelsior team. "When I arrived at NMU, I felt so sad because every moment felt as if Matty was still standing there with us watching the game," she said.

"I don't think any of us will ever be able to forget Matthew, he made such a big impact on our lives and in his absence he leaves such a big void, but all the good memories make us smile.

"We always told him to 'Carpe Diem' and we try to motivate ourselves to continue with good deeds, because he was a boy who tried very hard to make people feel good. At our kindergarten he was the welcoming guard who hugged everyone with a smile."

Malgas said her dad, Matthew's grandfather Pastor Willem Malgas, who fell out of the bus with him, is still in recovery and has to have a shoulder operation by the end of this month. "I think the accident still haunts my dad and Jacques a lot.

"My dad was so attached to Matthew, because little Matty was a 'grandfather child'. Grandpa would lay down his life for Matthew."

Little Matthew's second Christmas with his parents, in December 2021.