Gareth Orritt: Former PSL Star Passes Away in Western Cape Car Accident at 52
- Former Premier Soccer League star Gareth Orritt was killed in a car accident in the Western Cape late last week
- Orritt had a 10-year professional career with three clubs, making 134 top-flight appearances and scoring nine goals
- Tributes from former SuperSport defender's footballing colleagues flooded social media following news of his passing
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Former SuperSport United defender Gareth Orritt has died following a car accident in the Western Cape late last week. The former Premier Soccer League star was 52 when he passed, and he is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their two sons, Ethan and Noah.
Source: Facebook
The former defender enjoyed a 10-year professional career, representing Wits University, Pretoria City and SuperSport United. Across his time in the top flight, he made 134 starts and found the net nine times.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates and football colleagues, who took to social media to remember Orritt and honour his contribution to the game.
Orritt's career from Wits to SuperSport
Orritt began his professional career with Wits University in March 1993, making his senior debut at the age of 19 in a 1-0 home victory over Vaal Professionals. Terry Paine was the first coach to work with him at senior level. The following season, Orritt joined Pretoria City, but the club was relegated at the end of the 1994 campaign.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
He remained with Pretoria City for their only season in the second division before making his return to the top flight. His reunion with Paine came when SuperSport United took over the Pretoria City franchise.
While playing for Pretoria City, Orritt was part of the team that reached the Bob Save Super Bowl final under Shane MacGregor. However, they were beaten 3-2 by Cape Town Spurs, who secured the league and cup double that season.
The most productive period of Orritt’s career came during Roy Matthews’ tenure at SuperSport United. He enjoyed regular playing time across the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 campaigns, scoring eight goals, with a number of them coming from the penalty spot.
1999 Super Bowl win remained career highlight
SuperSport United secured their first major piece of silverware in 1999 when they lifted the Bob Save Super Bowl, a competition now known as the Nedbank Cup. They edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at Soccer City, with Thomas Madigage and Glen Salmon finding the net. Linda Buthelezi and Rudolph Seale were also part of the trophy-winning squad.
Orritt departed SuperSport in 2001 and later spent a short period with Tembisa-based Classic before bringing his playing career to an end while still in his twenties. Earlier, he had opportunities to impress during trials with English outfit Burnley and Dutch club NAC Breda.
Football was firmly rooted in Orritt's family. His father, Bryan Orritt, was one of several British footballers who moved to South Africa in search of professional opportunities.
Bryan enjoyed a successful career in the country and was named Foreign Footballer of the Year in 1967 during his time with Southern Suburbs. He subsequently represented Durban United, Rangers and Berea Park, where he also took on coaching responsibilities before eventually opening a sports shop in Johannesburg.
Interestingly, Gareth Orritt scored the final professional goal of his career against Kaizer Chiefs.
Footballer dies after lightning strikes during match
Briefly News also reported that a football match in Thailand ended in tragedy on 4 August 2026 when lightning struck the pitch.
Twenty-four-year-old Sofwan Awae died after being struck during the match, while 12 others were injured and taken to hospital.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
