Castle Says Cheers to Cricket Legend Clive Rice with Moving Tribute

Tributes have poured in for former South African cricket captain Clive Rice since he tragically passed away last week at the age of 66…though none have touched us as much as one which was intended to remain private, but which was too special to be kept a secret.

It’s a fitting tribute to the sportsman who became one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural icons…from one of South Africa’s most famous icons, Castle Lager.

After a photo – showing the tribute – was posted on Facebook and sent to SAPeople, we spoke to Castle Lager to find out more. Benedict Maaga, Media Relations Manager at South African Breweries, revealed that the intention was never to make this moving tribute public, but rather as something personal for the family.

“Castle Lager (not SABMiller) wanted to pay tribute to Clive Rice on his passing as a sign of respect and recognition for him as a cricketer and as a person that made us proud to be South African.

“We did this by producing five cases of limited edition Castle Lager that said, ‘To a true legend of the game, cheers’.

“The label carried both his picture while we replaced Charles Glass’ signature with Clive’s signature. All five cases were presented to Susan Rice at his memorial service on Tuesday.

“This small gesture was intended to be something private between Castle Lager and the Rice family to let them know that we and the rest of South Africa held Clive in high esteem and that we were deeply touched by his passing.”

[quote_center]”To a true legend of the game, cheers.”[/quote_center]

The popular sports star, who fellow cricketer Mike Proctor described to News24 as having a “heart the size of Africa”, passed away on 28 July 2015 after suffering from a brain tumour. He is survived by his wife Susan, and a son and daughter.