Chrysander Botha has made a big impact since making his debut for his country as a 20-year-old against Zimbabwe in 2008. Since then the exciting fullback has become an integral part of the national rugby team and last weekend made his 31st appearance for Namibia in their 45-5 victory against Russia.
His personal rugby career also took off as he went on to play for the Falcons and the Lions in South Africa before landing a contract with English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs last year, while he is now preparing for his second Rugby World Cup after making his debut in New Zealand four years ago.
It’s a far cry from the dusty streets of Narraville where Chrysander was born and raised. He was born into a sporting family with his father having played rugby for the coastal club Tigers, while his mother was an athlete, and he soon also made his mark in sport.
He played rugby for Narraville Primary School but as a youngster preferred soccer and his undoubted sporting talent shone through when he made the Namibian Under 17 soccer team that toured Germany in 2004 while he also represented Namibia in an African Youth Cup competition against Burundi.
But rugby won in the end when he was selected for the Namibian Under 18 team to play at the South African Craven Week competition the following year, while he also went on to represent Namibia at the IRB Junior Rugby Trophy in Dubai in 2006 and Chile in 2008.
“In 2005 I attended the national trials for the Craven Week. I easily made the team and then I realised that I could go far in rugby, so that’s when I gave up soccer and started to concentrate on rugby.”
At this stage he had also broken into Kudus’ first team and it wasn’t long before the dashing fullback was called up to the national side.
He played a big role in helping Namibia qualify for the 2011 World Cup, while he was also offered a contract with the South African franchise the Falcons.
After the World Cup he was signed up by the University of Johannesburg in 2012, for whom he excelled in the Varsity Cup.
The following year he made his big breakthrough in South Africa when he was signed up by the Lions and went on to represent them in the Vodacom Cup and the Currie Cup, while he also played nine matches in the Super Rugby series.
“It was an awesome experience playing for the Lions. Since I was a young boy I always dreamed of playing big rugby – I initially went to Stellenbosch but didn’t make it at Western Province. But then I moved to Johannesburg, so I was pretty proud of myself for not giving up and finally to have made it into a professional set-up,” he said.
By 2014 however his horizons expanded further after his agent organised a move to Exeter Chiefs.
He made an immediate impact, scoring a try on his debut for Exeter, but he only managed to play six matches before he fractured his ankle playing for Namibia against Canada.
Chrysander was out for close to five months but when he returned he showed that he had lost of his skills as he scored four tries for the Barbarians against the Scottish Heriots.
Chrysander is now hard at work preparing for the Rugby World Cup and with two of Namibia’s matches due to take place at Exeter’s home ground, Sandy Park, he is excited at the prospect.
“I’ve settled in really well and get on well with the fans.They’ve accepted me and they are looking forward to supporting Namibia at the World Cup. We’ve also got a couple of Tongans playing for Exeter and we are playing them at Sandy Park so it’s going to be a big match. But a lot of fans have already told me they will cheer for Namibia because we are the underdogs,” he said.
One on One with Chrysander Botha
When and where were you born?
July 13 1988 in Walvis Bay
What schools did you attend?
Narraville Primary School and Walvis Bay Private High School.
Who did you look up to as a youngster?
Back in the day we were all supporting the Springboks but I always liked watching the All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen. He was my role model when I was a youngster and to see him run with the ball was mesmerizing.
What was your best performance?
My debut for Namibia in 2008 against Zimbabwe at the Hage Geingob Stadium. I was very nervous but I managed to turn that into positive energy and everything just worked for me that day.
Jacques Burger. The man has no respect for his body – he wears his heart on his sleeve and he gives his everything on the field. He’s the type of player who inspires you, you want to do well and see everyone around you do well for the team.
What do you like to eat and drink?
Spaghetti Bolognaise and Tropical juice.
