Might have been mentioned but cant find it but this guy was one of the first signings Alan brown made in his first spell at Sunderland in circa 1958 , Here he is talking to Rob Mason a few years back. Club historian Rob Mason pays tribute: We are saddened to learn of the death of former Sunderland centre-forward Don Kichenbrand aged 91. A South African nicknamed ‘The Rhino’, Kichenbrand joined from Rangers where he had scored 24 goals in 25 games as they won their league in 1956. He was a late season signing for Sunderland as the club fought to avoid a first ever relegation. Despite Don scoring both goals as Portsmouth were beaten on the last day of that 1957-58 campaign results elsewhere saw Sunderland demoted. In his only full season with the club Kichenbrand top-scored with 21 goals. Just over three years ago, I tracked Don down to his home in South Africa and interviewed him over the phone. His love for SAFC and indeed rhinos was evident: “You have to protect rhinos!” he said, “Mark Boucher the cricket wicketkeeper is very much into protecting the rhino and my wife and I love them, but you have to watch them because if they take off there’s no stopping them and that’s how I tried to play. I’m now using a walker to get about. I have had both of my hips replaced and have had problems with my heart. I’ve actually been retired since 1979. We haven’t been to England since 1982 when I came to see people in Sunderland. Please tell everyone that my heart is still with them in Sunderland and I want to see the team doing well.” He was a hero of mine when he was here, and I thought that I would share this report on the club website - does any one else remember him ?
RIP Don, my condolences to his family and friends. I remember the name Clocky, but nothing else. I think the first game I attended was 1962 and he had left the club by then
My first match was in 61....I don't remember him,but I'm sure my Dad would as he went from about 1951 onwards and loved the players from that decade. Thanks for the post. He sounds a great bloke...clearly good memories of us....always sad to lose ex players like him.
First dipped my toe into this wonderful club in 1958 when I was 9, remember more the name than remember seeing him play, same as Shack. It was probably my fault we suffered our first relegation as it was my first sesaon. How many ex players have fond memories of playing for us? The club must be doing something right even that far back. R I P.
I remember players like wakham Nelson Anderson’s shack and kitchenbrand playing for sunderland However I never seen them play Rip don
RIP Don. Way before my time, but my dad watched him play. He always said he saw him score a goal once with his hand, a straight up right hook, right In front of the Fulwell. Punched the ball straight past the keeper, but it was awarded because no one could believe they saw it and thought he must have headed it! True or not, I don't know, but it's a canny story.
My memory of Don.. It was the worst weather I ever encountered in the old Fulwell End the wind blowing in from the North Sea brought freezing sleet and snow down over the pitch into our faces. More South Atlantic than South Africa . While the final whistle heralded sanctuary for the players our group and many others could not move for a minute or two . finally got home dried off, quick tea and out to the local and a Football Echo. I knew we had won but the icing on the cake was Don had scored a hat trick, a happy end to an unforgettable day , never regreated. Thanks for the memory Don, a true hero, the love was indeed mutual. RIP.
