Jeremy Fredericks ‘shattered’ on Robin Jackman: ‘I think he was the best in the world’

Robin jackman

• Also SuperSport commentator Jeremy Fredericks remembered his good friend Robin Jackman after he passed away on Christmas Day.
• Fredericks told Sport24 that he was heartbroken to hear the news, but was comforted that his friend of more than 30 years is resting.
• Fredericks also recalled a Boxing Day tradition, which saw him and Jackman singing Frank Sinatra’s standard ‘My Way’.

SuperSport Commentator Jeremy fredericks has paid a moving tribute to his friend and former colleague Robin jackman, who passed away on Christmas Day.

Jackman, who died on Friday at the age of 75, was much loved and respected by his adopted country, South Africa, after playing four Tests and 15 ODIs for England.

After his retirement from the game in 1982, Jackman moved to South Africa and began a successful commentary career for SABC and later SuperSport.

“I met Robin in the 1980s when I was coaching the Western Province team at the time with guys like Stephen Jefferies and Omar Henry. That’s where my memory comes back to him,” Fredericks said. Sport24.

“Later, in the early ’90s, we met through comments when he and Trevor Quirk helped me get into the comment booth at SABC.”

READ | Trevor Quirk’s moving tribute to Robin Jackman: ‘It’s devastating to lose your best friend’

Fredericks stated that the “always helpful” Jackman and his best friend Trevor Quirk guided and advised him in the beginning of his commentary career.

“I went to SuperSport in 1998 and Robin was already a big name announcer there,” continued Fredericks.

“He was willing to help anyone who came in to comment. He never shied away from helping people and always gave himself.”

Fredericks maintains that ‘Jackers’, as it was affectionately called in South Africa, was the best station the world has produced.

“We chatted about cricket for hours, he loved the game and he has a fantastic wife, Yvonne, who supported him through thick and thin.”

In 2012, Jackman was diagnosed with throat cancer. He had multiple operations and it was difficult for him to speak.

“When Robin was diagnosed, it was a traumatic period and thank goodness he went into remission and SuperSport was very kind to him and took care of him,” said Fredericks.

“He couldn’t speak for half an hour, it put strain on his voice, but to me, he’s probably the best announcer the world has produced.”

An emotional Fredericks said he was “devastated” when he heard the news of Jackman’s passing.

“He was such a caring human being and the last few weeks have been difficult for him,” said Fredericks.

“It took me by surprise and I am devastated, but I am also at peace because my friend is at rest.

“A few weeks ago, we were supposed to go to lunch and I couldn’t go. When you think back, I only saw him two months ago before he passed away. I live with his memories and that’s what’s important to me.”

‘I lived a full life’

Fredericks said that Jackman was the kindest and most sincere friend anyone could ask for.

“Our friendship goes back over 30 years and it has been a wonderful friendship. This man has been a fantastic friend and a true friend. We used to travel together and comment and have a little fun along the way.”

And they had fun.

Fredericks, who is commenting on the Proteas opening test against Sri Lanka in Centurion, appropriately recalled one of his favorite memories with Jackman.

“There are so many, I can name a lot of memories that stuck with me. But every year the Boxing Test match would be at Kingsmead in Durban,” recalled Fredericks.

“We are going to Durban and on the third day of the test match, Castle Breweries would host a performance on their terrace at Kingsmead.

“We’d get there late into the night to party, but the one thing that will always be remembered is that we would both get up and sing a version of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way.’

“Everyone was looking forward to him and we did the song every year … he was a bit of a partier,” she said.

“He loved to have fun and live life to the fullest. There have been many parties at his house where I would always be the last to go, but when he wanted to go he would say, ‘Let’s do one more for the swing.’ ‘. He was an amazing human being. “

There is no doubt that Jackers did it his way.