Leading New Zealand football coach Jacques Vercauteren has died in France, aged 89.
Vercauteren, who was generally known as Jack, was a well-respected secondary school educator across the country for several decades and coached several national league sides and schools representative sides.
“He excelled in coaching young footballers and was responsible for the careers of many players,” says a tribute by the social media group Papatoetoe AFC — The Glory Years.
“For 15 years, Jack was the coach of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Under 19 team and is considered a legend in secondary schools football.”
Vercauteren also coached Papatoetoe’s senior men’s team, taking them to third place in their first season in the Rothmans National League in 1983 and second the following season.
He also coached Mount Wellington and Wellington Diamonds United.
Former Papatoetoe club president Noel Robinson said Vercauteren was an “outstanding, visionary, highly intelligent and respected coach.”
In that first national league season, he gave opportunities to the likes of Ian Masson, Mark Slane, Martin Felton, David Huff, Trevor Browne, Colin Tuaa and Alan Taylor.
Former All White and 1982 FIFA World Cup star Frank van Hattum, who played under Vercauteren at two clubs, said there were very good reasons why his teams were so successful.
“Jack was a real enigma, totally committed and passionate in all things football (and teaching),” he wrote.
“I had many battles with Jack over the years and played under him at Papatoetoe and WDU and also played against his many other teams in the national league.
“We always had a good word post-match, win or lose. There was not much he didn’t know about the game and had his quirks and style that made for many memorable moments. Many of his teams were very successful, just showing the class of the man.”
Vercauteren was also remembered by the Southland Boys’ High School where he taught in the 1970s.
“Jacques was widely respected for his wisdom, dedication, and passion for the game. During his time at SBHS in the late 1970s, he made a lasting and positive impact on countless young players,” the school said.
Acknowledgement
We thank the Facebook page Papatoetoe AFC – “The Glory Years” for providing information for this obituary.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football aims to recognise the loss of those who have made significant contributions to our game.