The day after his exhibition in Cape Town with Rafael Nadal in February 2020, historic in terms of its attendance (51,954 spectators, broken record) and moving in the context of a return to his roots, we found him at Ellerman House, in Bantry Bay, a very quaint little Victorian-style hotel overlooking the incredible Cape Coast and surrounding areas.
“Are you proud of these sud’af roots?”
I am already very happy to be connected with such a beautiful country. I am very lucky with this Swiss/South African combination. With two of the most beautiful countries in the world, even if not everyone will agree (smile). I definitely grew up with a lot of that in me. When I was very little I traveled here, I saw and felt things, although I don’t remember everything at first. I had a lot of good time here, with some very nice trips. So. We went to Hermanus, Plattenberg Bay, Joburg, and Cape Town at the end of 2000. I had just met Mirka (his wife), but I had already organized the vacation with my parents, she didn’t come this time- this. A few years later, we went on a safari together.
“(Nelson Mandela) said that sport has its part to change the world, all that resonates with me”
What has South Africa brought you?
Already, I am very proud to be Swiss too, it starts there, that’s where I grew up. In Switzerland too, it’s a very big “mix” with different languages, a lot of shared influences. In Afsud it’s even more extreme with all these languages! In a way, it’s similar to a certain degree. They say that in South Africa, it’s relaxed, relaxed, and that in Switzerland, it’s very structured, very serious. But I didn’t experience Switzerland like that. If you organize something, the Swiss will be more on time, and we are very proud of that. In Afsud, it is done in a different way. Knowing these two sides served me well for my character, I think.
When you are in South Africa, do you feel good?
Yes. When I arrive here, inexplicably or not, I feel that I am happy. When I’m in Australia too, of course, but it’s a different style of appreciation. I missed not being here more often. It’s not just South Africa. This is Africa in general. It’s the continent that has this effect on me. When I arrive in Zambia, Namibia, Malawi (for its Foundation launched in 2003), I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel very connected to these countries. It makes you vibrate, you feel that you are somewhere else. There is another relationship to time. People are different. Very warm, very open. It’s something that I love and when I arrive here, I feel it touches me. So.
“This continent does not always have many things to celebrate”
When we talk about South Africa, we think of Nelson Mandela…
His story is so inspiring with the sacrifices he made, before becoming president of a country that needed him so much. I would have loved to meet him. His connections with sport, with rugby when Pienaar gave him his No. 6 jersey in 1995, with the Laureus Sport Award when he said that sport has its part to change the world, all that resonates with me. He loved sport, he saw that sport had this ability to connect you with people, that it could sometimes be used for politics. We knew it, but when it was Mandela who said it…
You met Siya Kolisi, what did you think?
He gave me the Springbok jersey (during this exhibition). It moved me. It was wonderful. I loved it so much. With number 8, because it’s my favorite number. He also gave me the one with his #6 the day before, and I asked him if he wanted me to wear this one. But he doesn’t want to put himself forward. He’s a great character, he thinks as a team. This guy, honestly, he’s fabulous. His story is incredible. He inspires. He has a lot of power with his character which is very strong. She is a beautiful person, generous, simple. Kolisi knows his role, it is very important. He has a lot of things thrown at him, but he knows how to handle it perfectly.
And does rugby mean anything to you?
I really like. You have to try to win as a team. If you don’t go for the other one, you don’t have a chance. You are gambling with your life. A Springbok victory means so much in the country. This continent doesn’t always have a lot to celebrate. »
2023-10-29 16:26:55
#Roger #Federer #spoke #love #South #Africa #Springboks
