Keith Andrews
Ikey Old Boy
At the end of 1982, I remember Basil and Guys walking up the parkway towards the College House reception area. They called me aside. Basil then said to me: “your too short, too fat, too slow and too ugly to be a flank, if you want to go somewhere in rugby, you must play prop”. I took their advice, reluctantly, and the rest is history!
Michael Bayly
Bishops OD
Basil Bey is a true legend. He influenced so many young men’s lives in such a positive way. As a coach, he was way beyond his time. He instilled a love for the running game in every one of his players. There was nothing better than playing in one of Basil’s teams. You had the freedom to make decisions (and mistakes) and play the game as you see it. You had to be selfless in your approach and courageous in everything you did.
Although Basil did most of his educating on the rugby field, he was also a fine English teacher. Again, instilling a love for the language, especially poetry. As a House master he was like a second father to us. He had a deep understanding of boys becoming young men and was able to just find the right way to connect with us as individuals. A Philosopher and Astronomer, he knew us better than we knew ourselves. He will be dearly missed by so many, but his legacy will remain for ever. RIP Basil
Andy Calmeyer
Plumstead High School Old Boy
I first met Basil when he came to teach at Plumstead High school.
He was a special man that was able to transform an ordinary bunch of rugby players into a wonderful and successful team.
He touched the lives of so many of us at Plumstead High school and I am forever grateful that our paths crossed, because he made such a difference in our lives.
Andrew Campbell
Ikey Old Boy
Basil had a huge impact on my life and way of thinking. I, like many others, experienced him as a fantastic coach to play for, and a superb man amongst teachers. I was privileged to enjoy many discussions about life, communication, and more important topics than the next game of rugby. His selfless approach to assisting fellow coaches, and his expansive approach to supporting the development of so many rugby players, was good for the game and the young men forming their values.
My Special UCT Related Memory of Basil:
In my matric year, after playing for Bishops under Basil on Saturday mornings, he invited me to stand with him whilst filming the UCT First XV at home and away games. It was a huge privilege to watch so many UCT stalwarts of the day playing, whilst listening to Basil’s comments and discussing their options. I learnt so much from him and players such as Bourhill, Knight, Day, Dukas, Andrews, Burton Moore, Brown and Arnott, to single out too few. Fantastic memories.
