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DEDICATED TO THOSE FIGHTING CANCER
These awards are dedicated to the people who are fighting cancer, lost the battle with cancer and cancer survivors. “My Dad lost the fight to cancer and this award is dedicated to him. I know he is smiling down on us cheering the horses home!” ~ Storm Racing Founder Donovan Pillay
RONNIE PILLAY 17/07/1949 - 26/05/2018
Ronnie Pillay, was a man of phenomenal accomplishments. The 5th sibling of 7 children and the 4th son was born into the family of Pillays in Sydenham, he always strove to better himself in every task he undertook. In the 60s, the family was uprooted and relocated to Montford, Chatsworth due to the inhumane Group Areas Act. Ronnie completed his secondary education at Montford Secondary and, due to family financial difficulties, he did not seek a tertiary education but sought employment at Peter’s Shirts and thereafter Playtex where he remained in a senior position until close to his retirement.
The Pillay family excelled in sports. Ronnie excelled in soccer as a professional player with Manning Rangers in the FPL. He represented the Chatsworth FA and the Isipingo FA in Inter-district representative matches and went on to represent the SA Indians against the SA Coloureds. Ronnie oozed confidence, and energy and was a super fit athlete who would give 110 percent on the soccer field and a million percent to his loving family. Due to his determination and speed, his team or teams that he played for, over the years, won many league titles and cup finals.
The Pillay Family
Ronnie's marriage to Selvi was a union made in heaven and they raised two charming, capable, and successful sons named Donovan and Kenneth. The newspapers published many articles about Ronnie and his soccer accomplishments while he was in his prime. Ronnie also took after his Dad who excelled in Darts. Ronnie played Darts at a professional level. Ronnie soon trained his two sons to play Darts. His second son Kenneth won many singles and doubles tournaments and the dart leagues. His eldest son Donovan went on to excel in soccer from an early age getting his Natal colours in soccer, Volleyball & Cricket, and moved on to play semi-professional soccer. Ronnie ensured that education was a priority for his sons and therefore they did not continue with their sports aspirations but pursued their educational careers. Throughout his life, Ronnie displayed humility, kindness, and compassion and always put his love and protection of his family first and foremost. The family has two loving and caring Daughters in-laws named Sash and Meloshnee and 4 grandchildren. Ronnie retired and chose to spend time with his grandchildren Arianna, Liam, Dante & Azariah. He cherished his grandchildren and pampered them at every opportunity. He built a beautiful home in Woodview, Phoenix to raise his young family. The Post newspaper published a 150-year celebration of Indians in South Africa edition. This recognized the legends in the Indian community. Ronnie, his eldest brother Vincent & third brother Reuban were recognized as Indian soccer legends in South Africa during the apartheid era. The three brothers at one stage played in one team namely Isipingo suburbs and were a force to reckon with. Ronnie lost his battle with cancer in 2018 but his memories and legacy live on in his sons & grandchildren.
