Last week was a week of highlights and dreams coming true for Akeem Booysen who not only got to meet his favourite rugby idol but was also gifted a pair of Cheslin Kolbe’s rugby boots signed by Kolbe himself.
The cherry on the cake was when Kolbe informed Akeem that he got two tickets to see Saturday’s game between the Springboks and Wales played at Cape Town stadium.
The news of this dream come true for the Bokke fan didn’t sink in immediately and it was only when someone asked him how he feels about going to see the Bokke, that an expression of disbelief crossed Akeem’s face and he stood with his hands over his head.
The Grade 12 learner of Hermanus High was one of many Springbok fans who gathered outside the school last Monday to see the players in action during a practice session. Akeem, dressed up in his Springbok supporters’ jersey and socks, stood behind the fence for two hours to watch the Bokke’s every move. He was over the moon when he got to see his rugby heroes in person, get their autographs and take photos with them.
The highlight of the day was when Kolbe, his hero, signed Akeem’s school shirt with a drawing of Kolbe on it. The drawing was done by Jaylon Phillips from Stanford.
When asked his reaction at signing the shirt with his face on it, Kolbe described it as “wow” and added: “I wouldn’t mind to get a drawing like that.”
Akeem, a member of Hermanus High’s under-19 rugby first team, says he admires Kolbe who grew up in Kraaifontein for rising above his circumstances and showing that size does not matter.
Akeem dreams of becoming a professional rugby player and wearing the green and gold like his idol but says he intends to study teaching first.Team effort
Akeem’s story was first published on Hermanus High’s Facebook page last Tuesday afternoon and within less than 24 hours it had 26 600 hits.
After reading the post about Akeem’s joy at meeting the Springbok team, Leon Geeringh, owner of Leon Geeringh Motors in Bloemfontein, and his father Leon Geeringh senior contacted the school to announce that they would sponsor two tickets for Akeem to see the match.
Nanette Ras, Hermanus High’s marketer, says a number of people jumped into action to book the tickets and make all the arrangements. Akeem was accompanied by Milton Prodehl, one of the rugby coaches at the school.
Buco Hermanus made Akeem’s experience extra special by donating a rugby ball and a brand new Springbok jersey for Akeem to wear to the match.
“Last week was unforgettable. I will never ever forget it. Saturday was awesome, the atmosphere and the spirit was great and it felt good to sing the anthem with 51 000 people. I just want to thank the school, Mister Geeringh and his son, Cheslin Kolbe and the Spring-boks for everything.” – More on page 4.