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Titans CEO passes away

Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has learned with shock and dismay that Elise Lombard, CEO of both the Northerns Cricket Union and the Easterns’ Titans franchise, passed away suddenly on Thursday after suffering a heart attack.

“This has come as a huge blow to all of us and one that will be felt by the entire CSA family throughout the country,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul. “On behalf of all the participants and supporters of our wonderful game, I extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues.

“During her time in office she turned the Titans franchise into one of the powerhouses in the country and contributed enormously to the financial well-being of the game.

“Only yesterday she was the guest speaker at CSA’s function to celebrate National Women’s Day and it was typical of her that she also found time to send Mark Boucher a special message of support for his recovery and the new initiative he has launched to save our rhinos.”

Vincent Sinovich, president of the Northerns Cricket Union, commented: “It is with deep shock and sincere regret that I announce the untimely death of our CEO, Elise Lombard, on Thursday, 9 August, 2012, as a result of a heart attack.

“I would like to place on record Elise’s commitment to cricket over the past 32 years, her unwavering dedication and the  efficient way she fulfilled her role as CEO, beyond the boundaries of duty. Elise is a great loss to the union and also to the  cricket world.

“On behalf of my Executive, my Board, the players, the staff (past and present) and fellow cricket followers, we extend our  deepest condolences to Elise’s family: Eloise & Rudi, Louis, Karen and grandchildren George and Mia.

“Elise will be greatly missed by all those in the cricket fraternity.”

Andy O’Connor, chairperson of the Easterns Titans franchise, said: “I am deeply saddened and we at Easterns Titans are going to miss her dearly.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz on Thursday, with many paying their respects to the well-renowned and popular cricket administrator.

Dolphins batsman, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, had the following to say: "RIP elise lombard condolences to her family and friends...may the LORD hold you in his hands now.."

Current SA 'A' coach Vincent Barnes said: "Deepest condolences from the SA A squad and management to Elise Lombards Family and Titans cricket on her sudden passing."

Former Proteas spinner Pat Symcox said: "RIP Elise Lombard!what a lady since my debut for Northerns in 1983!Signed my first bonus cheque that season...R4,63!Great loss to SA cricket."

Mark Boucher, former Proteas wicketkeeper who recently retired after a career-ending eye injury, said the cricketing world will miss Lombard. "My condolences go out to the family and friends of Elise Lombard from Titans Cricket."

Proteas and Titans all-rounder, Faf du Plessis, commented: "So sad 2 hear about titans ceo elise lombaard's death.was an amazing woman who did so much 4 the titans and always a smile on her face.#rip."
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