WATCH: French rugby youngster gives Afrikaans response in viral interview

WATCH: French rugby youngster gives Afrikaans response in viral interview

Trust a South African to give a helping hand to international visitors. 

Johan Wasserman steps in as translator during a post-match interview.
Johan Wasserman steps in as translator during a post-match interview. Image: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

South African rugby viewers were left in stitches after a post match interview went viral this past weekend.

There is an U18 international rugby series taking place in Paarl. 

Read more: Fight cancellation delays Springboks’ departure to Australia

Despite the victory going to the men in green and gold, there was a unique South African flavour at the post match interview.

Johan Wasserman, who is the son of former Springbok flanker Johan Wasserman, became a translator for his French rugby captain during the interview.

Johan, also known as JG, has been living in France with his family since Johan had moved to France back in 2007. 

According to Sport 24, JG and his twin sister Ané moved to France as three-year-olds, thus becoming citizens through residential status. 

Read more: Are you planning on working abroad? You’re not the only one!

As the translator, it was quite remarkable how Johan was able to listen to SuperSport commentator Gcobani Bobo asking questions in English and able to translate that into French.

It's quite clear that he had no problems adapting to the French culture when he was growing up. 

What makes it more memorable was his responses to the questions.

Johan Wasserman steps in as translator during a post-match interview.
Johan Wasserman steps in as translator during a post-match interview. Image: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

Johan would respond to what his captain Baptiste Britz would say back to Gcobani in Afrikaans. 

One would think that because you relocated to a new country at a very young age, you'd forget about your mother tongue.

Read more: Afrikaans Language Board furious with Afrikaans quiz on flight

They clearly still remember and still communicate in Afrikaans from the looks of things. 

That was proven to be correct when Johan ended the interview by saying: "Baie dankie en sien jou later". 

DKS Podcast

MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO:


Follow us on social media:

Main image attribution: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

Show's Stories