MONDAY, JULY 01, 2024
KARSTEN MIRANDA
MARGAO: Jonty ‘Superman’ Rhodes whose out of this world diving run out of Inzamam-ul-Haq, in the 1992 World Cup was voted as the most iconic moment in World Cup History, in poll conducted before this cricket World Cup started, has dived into the gorgeous wilderness of Agonda in South Goa.
No, not as a tourist on a flying holiday. He has moved to Goa for six months with his family. And if you thought this was picture perfect, picture this. Jonty has announced, in a tweet, that one of his kids (if not both) Nathan has enrolled at an International school in Canacona “Incredible how quickly our kids are able to adapt: “Best Day!, Best Day!”, Nathan’s response to his first day at #(name of school) in South Goa. He also used two interesting hashtags in this tweet #travelwith kids and #IncredibleIndia
The South African cricketer and coach was spotted in Margao on Thursday, with traffic police posted near KTC bus stand Margao taking selfies with him, while passersby and commuters were seen stopping and trying to greet the legend.
Late Wednesday night, Rhodes, made a mention on ‘X’ (Twitter), during a conversation with a fan that he now lives in Agonda and that he made this move last Saturday.
“Not a holiday, we have shifted to Goa for the next 6 months! But yes, surfing every afternoon after school does feel like a vacation for us,” while replying to another fan.
He also took to ‘X’ (Twitter) to talk about his experience with the local fish delicacies in Agonda.
“Had some of those cooked in masala spice 3 days ago on Agonda beach #IncredibleIndia #eatlocal #iamlocal,” said Rhodes.
When asked if he is into Goan food and if he has tasted Chourico pao as yet, he replied saying, “So far, we have been eating smoothies; salads and excellent seafood - really about adjusting to the heat; in the climate, not the cuisine.”
He is clearly enjoying his time in Goa going by his tweet on Wednesday, which read, “Some people are going to need a holiday from their holiday after getting back home from Goa.”
He has also found ways to deal with the heat in the State.
“No respite from the heat - well-earned fresh coconut quenches thirst after my surf, but certainly doesn’t cool me down #goantohaveagoodtime,” said Rhodes on ‘X’ (Twitter).
“And now my hotel room has been turned into a studio; doing a promotional recording for next week’s presentation #lifeonthego #allrounder,” read another tweet he put on Wednesday night.
He also added that he has a lot of work in India around the Cricket World Cup and thus commuting from Goa is much easier than from Cape Town.
“I am a proper all-rounder… do a little bit of everything at the moment. BUT, working on some corporate wellness and online coaching opportunities, so yes; every day is different,” said Rhodes while replying to another query from a fan about what all he is doing currently.
Coming back to Goa, he also posted a picture of his family in a car during a trip in Goa.
He even spoke about being able to recommend a good taxi driver in Goa and his experience at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim.
Rhodes, however, also commented about how while travelling on the road at 5.30 am, they had to dodge stray cattle and dogs on the road during the darkness.
It was in Brisbane 31 years ago that Jonty flew like a superman and crashed into the stumps to run out Inzamam-ul-Haq of Pakistan. By the way, he was also center-forward of the national field hockey side and would have played at that year’s Barcelona Olympics, if South Africa had qualified
But Jonty, the family man, super dad and inspirational coach has surely retained his superman tag “off the field” post-retirement, on the fields and by lanes of Goa, conquering hearts as always.
