A 100 and 200m sprinter who played for Walmer Wales Rugby Club in the late 1960s and early 70s, Singata was selected to play for the so-called “Black Springboks” of the erstwhile South African African Rugby Board (SAARB).

Later, in 1974, he played for the non-racial South African Rugby Union (SARU) team as a representative of the KwaZakhele Rugby Union (KWARU).

“’Sticks’ was regarded as one of the best of his generation and deservedly represented South Africa on the rugby field, albeit it a time when his talents weren’t widely recognised,” said Mr Alexander.

“He was compared to Cheslin Kolbe and was a natural in the backline, with speed to burn and the kind of attacking instincts we don’t see all that much of these days.

“His death is a big loss to his family, friends and local community in the Eastern Cape, but also the wider South African rugby community and we are thinking of all of his loved ones who were left behind in this difficult time.”

One of the highlights of Singata’s career was in 1975, when he was a member of the KWARU team that became the first Eastern Cape side to win the SA Cup. He scored two tries as KWARU beat Tygerberg 15-9 in the final, 45 years ago.