Cape Town - The South African cricket community has paid tribute to Afrikaans commentator Kotie Grove who passed away on Friday morning.

Grove, who was 71, is understood to have battled cancer.

Known for being one of the voices of South African cricket post-1992, Grove's first involvement in cricket reporting was in 1976 when he joined the SABC's commentary team as a scorer.

The tributes on Friday came from far and wide, with respected cricket journalists as well as former players all sending their condolences.

Grove was a professor of classical studies at the Nelson Mandela University (formerly University of Port Elizabeth) for 44 years before retiring in 2014.

Twitter reacts:

Gutted to hear of the passing of good friend, @SuperSportTV co commentator and simply the LEGEND Kotie Grove - ????RIP???? Partner... Will forever remember the ‘Screen Writing Pen’ and ‘Stuart Little’... Condolence to all the Grove family ?? @HendrienGrove @cliffe55 ???????? pic.twitter.com/aQJysfjRzV — Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) August 3, 2018

I’ve just read about the death of Kotie Grove. One of the kindest men in the press boxes around the country, always had a smile and a hello, and often a joke. Condolences to his family and colleagues at @SuperSportTV , and many, many friends. — Kevin McCallum (@KevinMcCallum) August 3, 2018

Sad to hear that Prof Kotie Grové has passed away. #RIPKotie

Heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. — Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) August 3, 2018

Rest in Peace Kotie Grové - Your voice will truly be missed in cricket #Cricket #RIP pic.twitter.com/ntHZgnbFiN — Morgan Piek (@MorganPiek) August 3, 2018

I am gutted to hear of the passing of the legendary cricket commentator, Kotie Grove. I have been close to him throughout my career and he freely gave his time, knowledge and friendship. #RIPKotieGrove pic.twitter.com/SSXeAmErlN — Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) August 3, 2018

To all my Eastern Province and UPE team mates. It’s with a sad and heavy heart that I hear the news of the passing of cricketing administrative legend Kotie Grove. RIP Kotie, thank you for all you did for me in my... https://t.co/M5o3KgLSHc — Brett Schultz (@BrettNSchultz) August 3, 2018

RIP Prof Kotie Grove. Former Professor in Classical Languages, Dean of Students and Managing Executive of Legacies at our University. You will be missed. https://t.co/17qyjufr4G — Mandela University (@MandelaUni) August 3, 2018

Really sad to hear that Afrikaans cricket commentator #KotieGrove has passed away, legend on the mic. — Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) August 3, 2018