A Dream Come True for Keathan

Keathan Klazen recently returned to Namibia after a trip of a lifetime to London where he was the Namibian rugby team’s mascot at their opening match against New Zealand on 24 September.

Keathan, who is a keen rugby player himself, won a competition organised by one of the Rugby World Cup sponsors Land Rover in collaboration with The Namibian, and as the lucky winner, he won an all-expenses paid trip to London for Namibia’s opening match at the Olympic Park Stadium.

Eight-year-old Keathan is a big fan of Namibian captain Jacques Burger and he said it was an awesome experience to walk onto the field with his hero.

“It was awesome standing on the world stage next to my rugby hero. To stand there next to Namibia’s captain in front of 51 000 people singing the anthem, I felt so proud and honoured to sing our anthem,” he said.

According to Keathan’s mom Vanessa, Jacques greeted and introduced himself to Keathan before the walk-on, which boosted his confidence.

“Keathan asked him to play well and his response was ‘we’ll try our best, my friend’. When Jacques called him ‘my friend’, he felt very happy. He appreciated Jacques’ modesty and that, according to Keathan, made him an even bigger person than he appears to be. He was fascinated by Jacques’ skilful play and fearless approach – a real gentleman and good leader indeed,” Vanessa said.

After the walk-on and the anthems, Keathan joined Vanessa, his father Gilbert and brother John Harris in the stands and although Namibia lost the match, it was a special experience for the family.

“Watching the Welwitchias playing against the world’s top rugby players was great and it gave me goosebumps. We liked the persistence and fighting spirit displayed by our team and a warm sense of patriotism kicked in. We are indeed very proud of our team,” Keathan said.

“Keathan’s eyes were set on Jacques and he felt very sorry for Jacques when he got hurt and started bleeding,” Vanessa said.

“He did not like it at all to see Jacques getting hurt, but we were very proud that our team gave the All Blacks a hard time on the field,” she added.

Keathan and his family were only in London for three days but tried to fit in as much sightseeing as they could, according to Vanessa.

“We went on one of those red hop-on hop-off buses for a sightseeing tour through London and we also experienced a boat cruise on the Thames River from where we could see most of the main tourist attractions. We went to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Gardens and visited the historic part of London. We wanted to experience the London Eye and many other attractions, but unfortunately our time in London was too short,” she said.

Keathan thanked the organisers Landrover, saying they were professional, caring and the perfect hosts.

“We rehearsed my part thoroughly with my mother beside me. And when she had to leave and I had to get dressed and ready for my role on the field, I was not afraid at all to stay alone with the organisers.”

“The whole experience from boarding British Airways in Namibia to meeting my rugby idol to my appearance on the world stage was super awesome and exciting. We were privileged indeed,” he said.

“Ouma and the family of Keathan would also like to extend a special word of thanks to Jacques for his caring approach towards Keathan. Thank you for not failing him – he is your biggest fan. Jacques, you’re the best. God bless,” Vanessa added.

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