Gershon Rorich represented South Africa at the Athens 2004 Olympics in beach volleyball ©Getty Images

Former South African beach volleyball player Gershon Rorich, who was part of the first team from the African continent to compete in the sport at the Olympic Games in 2004, has died at the age of 49.

Cape Town-born Rorich played with Colin Pocock at Athens 2004, where they reached the round-of-16 and ranked joint-ninth in men's beach volleyball.

Rorich had made his debut on the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Beach Volleyball World Tour in 1995.

He went on to serve on the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) Beach Volleyball Commission, and has been credited with helping several countries to establish beach volleyball systems and supervising several competitions in the sport.

Gershon Rorich, left, and Colin Pocock, right, reached the round-of-16 in men's beach volleyball at Athens 2004 ©Getty Images
Gershon Rorich, left, and Colin Pocock, right, reached the round-of-16 in men's beach volleyball at Athens 2004 ©Getty Images

The FIVB said it is "deeply saddened" by the death of Rorich, and offered its condolences to his family and friends, and the volleyball communities in Africa and South Africa.

CAVB President and FIVB executive vice-president Bouchra Hajiji described him as "a great man who distinguished himself as a player, a coach, and an administrator", and offered her condolences.

Volleyball South Africa offered its tribute to Rorich, with President Anthony Mokoena describing him as "the most celebrated volleyball star that the country has produced".

"We are reminded that it is during these difficult times that a family in bereavement always finds solace and support from extended family members, friends and the community at large, ensuring that the dear departed is given a farewell befitting of the love and adoration shown by all that knew of the late individual," the national governing body said.