Naas Botha’s farewell message to South Africa
· The South African
Retired Springbok player Naas Botha and his family have bid South Africa farewell – after relocating to the US – with a message thanking their home country for the many years spent here.
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The former flyhalf has resettled in America, as part of a move to further the sporting interests of his soccer-playing daughters.
NAAS BOTHA THANKS SOUTH AFRICA IN FAREWELL MESSAGE
In a message to Maroela Media, Naas Botha shared a “farewell” message to South Africans.
He shared: “South Africa will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful for the years we were able to live as part of its culture and community.
“This move is about family and opportunities that lie ahead. We thank everyone for their understanding. We will miss you all.”
According to reports, Naas, his wife Karen, and their children, Gaeby and Lee-Gre, moved to the US after his daughters secured soccer scholarships at a local college. He has two other children, daughter Kyla and son Francois Jooste, from a previous relationship.
In recent years, Naas Botha has scaled back his work as a sports broadcaster on SuperSport. He’s also vacated his position as Director of Rugby at Hoërskool Eldoraigne.
Springbok legend Naas Botha. Images via Instagram:@naasbotha10
It’s not his first stint in the US. In 1983, he was invited to play American football for the Dallas Cowboys, and later the Dallas Harlequins, whom he led to the 1984 USA National Club Championships. He returned to South Africa shortly thereafter.
During this time, the Springboks, like other South African sports teams, faced a ban under Apartheid. Naas would make 28 test appearances for the national team.
Naas also played provincially for the Northern Transvaal (later named the Blue Bulls). During this period, he made 179 appearances for the club, leading them to nine Currie Cup victories. He also had a stint at the Italian club Rugby Rovigo.
SPORTS STARS LIVING IN THE US
Naas Botha is not the only former sports star who has lived in, or has ties to, the US.
Retired Springbok Andre Snyman and his family live in Colorado.
Former Blitzboks and Springbok Dallen Stanford works in the US as a sports commentator.
Other renowned figures included former golfers Gary Player and Ernie Els, who now call the US home.
Former Olympic swimmer Roland Schoeman, who works as a real estate agent in the US, splits his time between his adoptive country and South Africa.