Hansie's brother posts emotional tribute on 18-year anniversary of former Proteas skipper's death

Hansie Cronje's brother Frans has posted an emotional tribute to the late former Proteas captain.

Monday, 1 June 2020 marks 18 years since the former cricketer's death in a plane crash in the Outeniqua Mountains in 2002.

The Cronje brothers' father, Ewie, also passed away last month and Frans said it was an emotional day for the family.

READ | Ewie Cronje and the match that crumpled SA elite

"My dad was re-united with my brother three weeks ago. My brother has been waiting for him in heaven for exactly 18 years today. As I sit here and have my coffee and rusks in Cape Town, it's another misty winters morning, like the 1st of June 2002, that forced the plane crash in George," Frans wrote on Instagram.

"So, yes I have tears rolling down my cheeks and I miss both of them. But, honestly, I am at peace. And I can truly say it is a peace that can only come from our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Creator, Comforter and Saviour."

READ Frans Cronje's full tribute in the Instagram post below:

View this post on Instagram

The 1st of June 2020 was always going to be an emotional day, therefor the longer post. My dad was re-united with my brother 3 weeks ago. My brother has been waiting for him in heaven for exactly 18 years today. As I sit here and have my coffee and rusks in Cape Town, its another misty winters morning, like the 1st of June 2002, that forced the plane crash in George. So, yes I have tears rolling down my cheeks and I miss both of them. But, honestly, I am at peace. And I can truly say it is a peace that can only come from our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Creator, Comforter and Saviour. It was such a privilege to be next to the bed with my mother and sister when my father breathed his last breath. He was peaceful. And again I felt and realised eternity. You see life is eternal, and God’s plans are for all eternity. Life does not stop when we die. And what we do while on earth echoes through all eternity. I believe it echoes in heaven, but also on earth, through the generations still to come. I honour my dad Ewie and brother Hansie. You both created one massive echo. But, I also want to honour my mother San-Marie who took such amazing care of my dad over the last few difficult years. Mom, we love you!!! So, back to peace and hope. Today, I celebrate (instead of mourn) and give thanks for my wonderful family who are still with us on earth. My mom, sister, my wife and kids. To our extended family. To our many amazing friends all around the world. To a God who loves us so much that He was willing to pay a horrible price, so that we could live. And to moving from Level 4 to Level 3 lockdown in South Africa today. #family #eternity #jesus #god #thankful #sad

A post shared by Frans Cronje (@frans_cronje_films) on May 31, 2020 at 11:19pm PDT