Baby Bok returns home to a hero's welcome

Bo-Kaap Baby Bok Haashim Pead, 20, arrived home to a hero’s welcome on Monday, following his side’s 23-15 win against arch-rivals New Zealand, at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship final in Italy, on Saturday. A talented scrumhalf, Pead's clever ball distribution, fast hands, and a killer instinct helped his side to their first World Cup final victory in 13 years.

Eighty minutes on the pitch to help his side lift the trophy, a 13-hour flight to Johannesburg and, another two hours and a bit in the air, on the final leg of his journey back home, can be a bit much, even for a World Cup winner. Six tries in four matches and numerous assists are worth celebrating.

The familiar sound of Cape-flavoured music and the crowd that greeted the rising star on arrival home was enough to make young Pead consider trading his rugby boots for dancing shoes as he made his way to the family home in Dorp Street. His speedy reflexes did not prepare him for this.

"It caught me completely off guard," he said. "The local Bo-Kaap band, the neighbours, family, and kids. I don’t even have the words. I’m honestly just so grateful. It reminds me who I do this for, and why I need to keep pushing forward." 

The young boy who once played barefoot for Bo-Kaap club, Schotsche Kloof Walmer RFC, a club his father once captained, came home a world champion.

"I have worked hard with enormous sacrifices, which helped me earn a bursary to Bishops, which developed me to fulfill my dream. I am so thankful to my parents, grandparents, and extended family. Not forgetting all my coaches at SK, Bishops, and the Lions for playing a crucial role in my career thus far," he said.

 "And, a special mention to the Junior Bok coaches and technical staff who helped us to prepare and get through the key moments." 

"It’s more than just wearing a jersey. It’s about representing my parents, my family, and the entire Bo-Kaap community," he said. "I carry them with me every time I step onto the field. Being a Junior Springbok is a massive honour, but it’s also a big responsibility to showcase what’s possible, no matter where you come from."

“It's every parent's dream to see their children succeed in the path that they choose,” said Pead’s father Shameeg, who, along with his wife and younger son, was up in the stands watching his son and teammates write their names into rugby history.

“Watching him grow and mature from the age of twelve to the young man he has become has been the most rewarding part of his journey thus far,” he said, encouraging other parents to support the children at all times

“Be there for them in good and bad times, be their biggest supporter and encourage them to do more to chase their dreams and not let minor obstacles be a setback,” he said.

Long-time family friend Siraj Legget was there to pick him up at Cape Town International Airport. Leggett, who has played rugby with Pead’s father, said they had less than 24 hours to put together a welcoming party of sorts. However, in typical Bo-Kaap fashion, he said, a few phone calls were all it took to organise a band, flowers, and trimmings to ensure a memorable homecoming.

There were a few anxious moments leading up to the players’ arrival due to an ongoing pilots’ strike resulting in flight delays, said Leggett. Understandably, he said, they were relieved to see Pead and other squad members back on home soil with trophy in hand.

With limited time to prepare, Leggett, Tharwah Solomans, a neighbour of the Peads , Seven Steps Minstrels founder, Kader Miller, and Bo-Kaap rugby legends Abdullah and Fagmie Solomans, got the ball rolling to give their hero a proper Bo-Kaap blessing. 

“We only found out 24 hours earlier that Haashim is arriving, flying to Joburg first and then coming to Cape Town. We knew about the FlySA strike so that put us on the backburner,” he said.” he said.

“Him, captain Riley (Norton), coach Kevin (Foote), and several players walked through those gates, and there was quite a cheer as they were coming through with the trophy and medals around their necks,” he said.

“We expected him to come at a certain time, then it was delayed, then he landed and we needed to wait for him again, but It was all worthwhile, eventually, with his grandmother and others welcoming him with a massive King Protea and green and gold balloons,” he said.

“He was always a talented sportsman, hardworking and down to earth, even when he was playing soccer, as a youngster with Legends Academy in Camps Bay, before following in his father's footsteps at SK Walmer and later, at Bishops,” he said.

“He used to travel and play in tournaments in Dubai with the legends guys.”

“Öne thing I always say, and I said it from the start of the tournament: A great sports person will find himself in the right place at the right time,” said Leggett.

“And that six tries that Haashim scored at the tournament are finding himself at the right place at the right time and then doing what he does best, scoring the tries.” 

Legends Soccer School founder, Anees Abbas, fondly remembers Pead's soccer-playing days. "Even then, his calmness, humility, and understanding of the game stood out," said Abbas.

"He gained valuable international experience early on, captaining our squads on tour — including the 2017 Easter Open in the Netherlands, where we finished runners-up in the Cup section. In 2019, he again led the team during our Abu Dhabi tour at the Man City Cup, where we came second to Manchester City’s academy side. One of the standout moments was winning the Boxtel Tournament, known as the Johan Cruyff Foundation Tournament."

"Watching Haashim grow into a rugby star at Bishops didn’t surprise me — it made perfect sense. The qualities that made him stand out on the soccer field are the same ones showing up in his rugby, composure under pressure, vision, balance, speed and spatial awareness," said Abbas.

"I’m proud of the role I played, but rugby is a team sport; none of us stand out without the guys next to us," Pead said. "Every match had its challenges, but the final tested me mentally and physically. I had to dig deep and trust all the preparation I had done."

For now, he's happy to catch up with friends and family before returning to the grindstone.

"Honestly," said Pead, "Just seeing my family and sharing a meal. There’s nothing like it. That feeling of spending time with your family after a victorious tour is special for me."