Keryn Jordan remembered

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 20 October 2018

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Tomorrow marks five years to the day since Auckland City FC legend Keryn Jordan passed away.

Jordan, who played for Auckland City FC from 2005 to 2010, returned to South Africa in January 2013 to be with family following news that his cancer had worsened.

Club chairman Ivan Vuksich remembers a top quality footballer who served the Navy Blues with distinction throughout his career.

"On the playing field Keryn was more than just a first class football player - he was a genuine entertainer who when in full flight brought pure joy to the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to see him play," Vuksich said.

While Jordan's goalscoring exploits were well-known throughout Africa and Oceania, it was his friendship and personality that touched the football community everywhere that made the biggest impression.

"Keryn was far more than just a football player to everyone at Auckland City FC.

"He was a unique individual that touched the hearts and lives of so many people at our club.

INTERVIEW - It's five years tomorrow since #BafanaBafana international and #NavyBlues legend Keryn Jordan passed away and we relive Keryn's final interview with ACFC TV alongside son Liam below. #StrengthInUnity #ISPSHandaPrem #ACvTU https://t.co/LFyBXWlBUI via @YouTube
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 20, 2018

"Keryn developed so many strong friendships with people right throughout the club be they players, coaches, administrators, sponsors or supporters but to many people he was much more than just a friend, he was like a brother and a son. He was family," an emotional Vuksich added.

Jordan was integral during the club's early domestic successes as the Navy Blues won two national league titles in 2006 and 2007.

Capped by South Africa and with a South African national league and golden boot title with Manning Rangers, he also appeared for Supersport United and Moroka Swallows.

Jordan relocated to New Zealand in 2004 and joined rivals Waitakere United before making the switch to Auckland City the following season.

His influence on the pitch helped guide the club to two OFC Champions League titles in 2006 and 2009, scoring hat-tricks in both finals against Tahiti's AS Pirae and Koloale of the Solomon Islands.

Jordan also appeared for Auckland City at two FIFA Club World Cups, one in Japan in 2006 and then as a squad player when the club finished 5th in Abu Dhabi three years later.

He also shared a pitch with Zinedine Zidane, Youri Djorkaeff and Christian Karembeu during Karembeu's testimonial match in Noumea, New Caledonia, in 2008.

By then, Jordan's struggle with cancer, an illness he had managed carefully since the age of 25, started to take its toll.

CONFIRMED: @BidvestWits striker Liam Jordan will spend another season on loan at Portuguese side, Sporting Lisbon. pic.twitter.com/BdvFEEpSV4
— FARPost (@FarPostSA) August 29, 2017

That struggle was watched by a select few close to the Pretoria-born striker who kept Keryn's desire for confidentiality and privacy to their word.

Ivan Vuksich said his admiration for the talented athlete knew few bounds.

"The courage and fighting spirit that Keryn displayed throughout his illness will forever be an inspiration to all those who knew him.

"Keryn Jordan has left an indelible legacy at Kiwitea Street. He was a unique individual who lived life his way and was loved by so many," Vuksich said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family now as we farewell a man who will be remembered as one of Auckland City FC's greatest."

Born on November 1, 1975, Keryn Jordan passed away in Pretoria on October 21, 2013, aged just 37.

Liam Jordan, son of the late Keryn Jordan, made his international debut for #SouthAfrica U17 http://t.co/ZVfzq5i4im pic.twitter.com/4eVeUyKp7i
— OFC Oceania Football (@OFCfootball) February 17, 2015

Ends

Elements of this article were first published in October 2013