Our son the Kangaroo is training hard – hitting the gym and rowing at ungodly hours in the hope/plan that he will make the SA University team for rowing. We keep on telling him that he should have chosen soccer or rugby as a sport – at least then he will get paid for all that hard work!
The result is that we don’t get to see him that often.
BUT, last night we hit upon a splendid plan and went off to see the footie match between Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Calm down and stop saying; “WTF has that got to do with the splendid fruit of Alan’s magnificent loins?” all will be revealed – not the loins, though, not the loins.
The last time we watched Maritburg United with Philip in tow, one of the scribes from the land of the last outpost asked if the Longhair and I were parents to Maritzburg United’s Rheece Evans – so striking was the resemblance between our son Philip and said refugee from the last outpost. Concentrating our rheummy eyes upon the boy on the field we were wont to agree that there is a remarkable resemblance in not only looks but also manner and movement – quite scary to say the least.
One day I am going to ask the Longhair if she secretely pushed a twin out and sold it into colonial slavery after I had fainted in the delivery room those twenty or so years ago.
So, there you have it – we are sneakily take comfort with Rheece’s reminder of Philip when we watch our now favourite team, Maritzburg United.
Although the Longhair would like to chat to Rheece / Philip about his ‘dirty play’ as he seemed to be hanging on to a lot of players whenever the ref wasn’t watching – I think he may just be a tad gay and is looking for a bit of man love in between defending like a demon. The Longhair disagrees somewhat, though!
Maritburg United won last night 2-0.
The first goal came in the 39th minute – after capitalising on Celtic mistakes, Maritzburg found themselves with 3 men clear in the charge to the goal and Celtic goalkeeper, Thabani Stemmer, had no chance as Prince Olomu scored.
A penalty by Kurt Lentjies in the 72nd minute put paid to Celtic’s chances for good.
Rheece Evans, your PE Mother has a message for you; “Stop niggling, concentrate on your game, do some more speed work and make your mommy proud – let’s see a goal from you please!”

Alan Straton
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hmmm..not too sure about the look alike Alan….but do agree that they all have been training at very early hours..my daughter included …and that been said I’ve taken the opportunity to train with them..for…oh no..SA Senior Champs, which is in East London this year..!
I wish the whole team guys and girls good luck for next weekend..!!Maybe in the not to distant future some one will decide that rowing really is the sport to put big money into!