The flyer who still loves the game
A try-scoring record at the Toyota Club Championships (eight tries in the week), close to two-hundred first-class tries, two Test matches and never losing to NWU-Pukke in an Intervarsity.
That was the career of Free State and Shimla flyer Chris Badenhorst.
Chris was born in Namibia and came to the Free State University (Kovsies) to study to become a PT teacher.
He never taught and is currently in business in Bloemfontein, in partnership with another former Springbok, the robust flanker André Venter. They are into IT and photocopiers.
Asked about highlights in his career Chris said that each phase of your career produces a highlight: to be selected for your school's First XV, to make the Shimla team, to get provincial recognition and ultimately, to represent your country in the Green & Gold. He played his two Tests in 1994 and 1995 but was not included in the Word Cup squad in 1995.
Badenhorst is still a very keen supporter of Shimla rugby. He was very impressed with the recent Shimla victory (21-15) over the Maties.
He said that the team showed real character and the players were prepared to put their bodies in the line in true Shimla tradition.
His fondest memory of his student rugby days, is a Toyota Club Championships in Durban where he established his eight-try record.
"In those days the Club Championships was big. Several national players played for their clubs and the public support was tremendous."
He also has fond memories of the annual Intervarsity against the Pukke. "Those games were hard fought battles but I am proud to say: we never lost to the Pukke while I was playing in the Shimla colours"
Apart from his business commitments Chris and his family are true Cheetah supporters and on Saturday mornings he support his rugby-playing son.
Chris invites former Shimla team mates to contact him on 082 829 6565. Maybe they can arrange to get together to support the Shimlas at the next home game.
By Piet de Jager
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