Yesterday when out and about we popped into our local coffeeshop/deli called the "Pantry" that has opened up in the area. Actually it is a hard one to describe as it is all high end produce from pizzas to hamburgers done by Michelin trained cooks. The prices are actually very good and the selection is mind blowing. When I say high end the ingredients they use are on another level but the prices are the same or if not cheaper than you would find anywhere else. No wonder it is very busy and has literally taken off.
This is not what the post is about and will do a post for the foodies another time. Whilst in the Pantry we bumped into Malcolm Marx who for those that do not know is world rugby player of the year for 2025. This is the second time he has won this award and is a sports celebrity.
What I found impressive is that the fact that the majority of people who knew who he was they left him alone as he was with his wife and kids. Everyone gave him the space he deserved and no one greeted or spoke with him. This is how it should be and unless you personally know someone you let them be. I am sure in other parts of the world like Japan where he plays his club rugby he is pestered enough. The people in the deli showed class which I was impressed with and you have to give them credit where credit is due. There is no sneaky photos on my behalf as that would be just rude and wrong.
When I was looking around I saw a row of men eating their burgers, but when they saw him they stopped eating with their mouths wide open. Malcolm is a local in the area when he is staying in SA and I am sure at some point I will get a selfie for my grand son. He has been collecting the Springbok card collection and knew who he was and told him another time when it is appropriate.
I will have to live up to my promise which I will do when the time is right and this was a player having family time. He is back in the country after playing in Japan on Saturday so it must be a planned break meeting up with the SA team.
This kind of reminded me when we lived in Durban and bumping into players on a daily basis was a way of life. Back then I knew most of them because I played rugby with them and you are in that environment for so many years. Even these days when in Durban I bump into ex players I know and we chat like it was just yesterday we were playing each other.
I can recall the one day being at Twickenham which was quite embarrassing and totally unexpected when the SA team arrived and literally half the team came over for man hugs as many were old team mates. No big deal, but the other fans were all wondering what was going on. Sports friendships remain with you for life and is one of the true bonds you will always have.
