The mother of Derick Hougaard has slammed trolls who have mocked the retired rugby player’s downfall. In recent weeks, the former Springbok and Bulls star, once dubbed the “Liefling van Loftus”, has made a public cry for help on his Facebook account.
The 43-year-old has suffered a series of personal setbacks over the years, including substance addiction, failed relationships and a series of health issues.
Recently, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Derick cover everyday living expenses.
DERICK HOUGAARD’S MOM SLAMS TROLLS
On his Facebook account, Derick Hougaard’s last post is about his endorsement of a business and events listing app, Wha2do, created by Limpopo businessman Lesley Barnand
Under the post, one particular troll responded with a scathing comment that read: “He can’t even look at himself at his age, what else to say about an app. As soon as the first penny drops it’s straight to the bottle storage”.
The comment caught the attention of Derick’s mother, Riana Hougaard, who responded: “I pray for your heart”.
She continued: “Prayer carries power; we see it every day.
“The comments are shocking; they really reveal the state of people’s hearts”
Riana – who added that she was “exhausted” from the social media turmoil – thanked those who had shown her son love and support.ADVERTISEMENT
“Appreciate all of you”, she added.
‘PRAY FOR HIS MIND’
It’s not the first time Derick Hougaard’s mother has addressed the public regarding her son’s well-being.
In 2023, after he was discharged from the hospital after a serious health scare, Riana Hougaard reposted a Facebook video of Afrikaans singer Chris Else, who had dedicated a song to the ailing athlete.
She shared: “God’s grace is great. So much power in prayer. Thank you again for your prayers and care, and love in this difficult time.
Riana hinted that both Derick’s body and mind needed to heal. She continued: “Please continue to pray for full recovery, strength, and for his mind. God carries us every day”.
Just weeks earlier, Derick Hougaard was found unresponsive in his Pretoria home by his then partner, singer Nadine.
According to Nadine, he had been found “suffocating.” He was rushed to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where he remained in a coma for three weeks until he awakened.
Derick was diagnosed with aspirational pneumonia; an infection doctors claim occurs when saliva, food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled or infiltrated into the lungs.
According to social media posts, Derick’s close friend Louis Liebenberg – who has since been imprisoned -stated that a mysterious bottle of liquid – presumed to be a cough mixture – was found in his possession. Liebenberg hinted that Derick had possibly been poisoned or had overdosed.
Speaking to Jacaranda’s Martin Bester, Nadine claims no alcohol or drugs were found in Derick’s system. She also claimed that Derick was not suicidal and did not overdose.
