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“Keeping the Ball in Play”
Nassey and Agnes Simaan were the parents of Gabriel Simaan who matriculated from St Davids in 1968. They were deeply committed to their school, their legacy spans generations and remain quite literally, rooted in rugby.
While Nassey coached rugby, Agnes laid the grass on all of the rugby fields and cricket oval. She is remembered by the boys as driving the little blue tractor at all hours of the day preparing the turf. She secretly buried medals and statues blessed by Brother Anthony under the grass on all of the fields to ensure that the boys were blessed and protected. They regarded her as a second mother, seeking out her advise and common sense and she was always up for a chat with a cup of tea.
One of Nassey’s greatest accomplishments was his role as the Marist Inanda’s first team rugby coach. During his 3 year reign, the school enjoyed their greatest success with records that still prevail today. His players from this era recall how there were no superstars in their team: They were a small bunch of very average rugby players and Nassey focused on the weakest and smallest players in the group. It was through the self confidence and motivation that he instilled in them, together with his immense knowledge, strategy and love for the game, that they were able to achieve what they did. Not only did Nassey’s loud voice instruct and encourage the boys in the matches as he marched up and down the touchline, but his athletic abilities were legendary. Apparently more than once, Nassey’s wing would get the ball with a gap in the defence. Nassey would be in line with the wing. With a cigarette in his mouth, Nassey would take off at the same time that the wing broke, and sprint down the touch line screaming instructions. By the time the wing made it to the try line, Nassey was already there waiting for him.
When one of Nasseys most successful St Davids teams had their 40 year school reunion, they invited him as their guest of honour as a mark of respect. They all describe Nassey as a passionate man who had a vision and skill set far beyond his years in rugby. He instilled in them not only a love for the game but a love and brotherhood for their team mates and school. Les Khourie – his lock reflects on how much Nassey was loved. Khourie believes he shaped and moulded him into the man he is today. The first fifteen from 1972 remains the best team St Davids ever had.
Nassey’s rugby talents and passion for the game were passed onto his son Gabe, who matriculated in 1968. Nassey would speak with immense pride of Gabe’s rugby achievements. His favourite recollection was about Gabe kicking a penalty over from the halfway line, in the torrential rain and howling Cape wind, to beat Marist Brothers Rondebosch by 1 point. Gabe’s son, Gaby jnr who was at St Davids until high school is as
passionate about his rugby and was a first league and Lions panel referee. He now coaches the U9’s at pirates.
Matthew Cooper, currently in Grade 11 at St Davids; great grandson to Nassey and grandson to Gabe, shares his love and passion for the game. His great grandfather would have been incredibly proud of his selection into the u16 Grant Khomo Lions side last year. He wears the St Davids jersey with much pride and a deep sense of honor. He hopes to emulate Nasseys speed and innate understanding of the majestic game of rugby.