The Sharks make young fan’s dream come true and lift the nation

A young fan’s dreams came true this weekend in Durban, thanks to some detective work by The Sharks rugby team. After their incredible win at the last minute again the Pumas in mid-May, the young boy – Kevin Forsman – was photographed in the stadium in tears (happy tears), overcome with emotion that his team had won. (The Pumas were leading 22-10 in the final 10 minutes, until the Sharks raced forward to win 24-22.)

The Sharks posted the photo, which showed Kevin being comforted by his father, and said: “This is what the win in Mbombela meant to our young fan. Help us locate him to thank him for his passion and to give him the opportunity to meet the team??”

It wasn’t long before somebody (Nettie Oosthuizen) was able to help: “Dear Sharks… we know this child… He is from Laerskool Malelane… He is Kevin Forsman from Malelane…”

The Sharks not only tracked Kevin down, but invited him and his family to this weekend’s game against the Lions at King’s Park in Durban, KZN. And Kevin not only met his favourite team and got to spend the day with them, but even got to run onto the field wearing the number 24 jersey, and sat on the bench! The best bit – his team won again, securing a spot in the Currie Cup playoffs.

The Sharks posted the before and after feel-good photos and told their fans: “Thank you for helping us find Kevin ? #FearTheFin”

Their gesture has not only lifted Kevin’s spirits (surely now a Sharks’ fan for life!) but also the nation’s with South Africans everywhere being touched by Kevin’s passion and the Shark’s awesome effort and kindness.

Raymaree Till was at the game and says: “We were sitting behind this family and what a treat to see the absolute joy for Kevin and also his younger brother ❤️ – an experience never to be forgotten. Thank you Sharks management for your kindness. ????”

Another spectator said it was amazing and he could “see Kevin glow with pride”.

Many sports fans, even those who are not necessarily Sharks supporters said this set rugby apart from other sports. They congratulated the young man “for believing in and supporting your team” and the Sharks “for recognising your loyal supporters”.

Tanya B said: “I’m sorry to say but I’m not a Shark supporter but have so much respect for this initiative. Well done. This will be life changing.” Another fan said: “What a happy united feeling this created… enjoy Young man Kevin Forssman ????”

When someone questioned what a Sharks fan was doing in Malelane (a farming community in Mpumalanga), several other Sharks fans came out of the woodwork – from Limpopo, Australia, UK and the Free State!

Eltina Stenhouse said the Sharks always display good sportsmanship, plus she noticed similar kindness from the visiting Lions this weekend. “We sit immediately behind the visiting team bench and often see interesting incidents. Before the game when players were warming up one ball was kicked into the stands and struck a spectator on her head. She held her head and was quite stunned for a few minutes, nice gesture from Lions player who immediately ran across to ensure she was okay, medics were quick to also approach and ensure all was well. At the end of game two teenage boys wearing DHS tracksuits chatted to Lions players in front of us, a Lions player gave the one boy his boots. He was so overwhelmed he couldn’t stop sobbing.”

Martin V said: “Great gesture Sharks!!! Even though I’m a Stormers Man!! Make their dreams come true! ❤️”

After seeing the second picture, Gordon L said: “A Shark of the future; it’s great to see Kevin again and this time around on the field. Kevin hope to see more of you in the future.”