He Didn't Even Come To My 21st
YOU South Africa|18 January 2018

Herschelle Gibbs’ heartbroken son Rashard believes his famous cricketing dad is more interested in his fans than his family.

Jacques Myburgh
He Didn't Even Come To My 21st

WHEN he was a boy he’d sit in the cricket stands and watch in awe as his dad blasted the ball around the pitch. With his swashbuckling batting displays Herschelle Gibbs was someone the Proteas could always count on to save the day when his teammates’ wickets started tumbling.

But as he witnessed his father’s heroics Rashard Gibbs couldn’t help wishing Herschelle was as devoted to him as he was to his cricketing career. More than anything he craved his father’s attention and approval – but as the years passed he was forced to accept a bitter truth about his dad.

“He’s a person for his fans, not for his family. He’s very much about Herschelle,” Rashard (21) tells us dispassionately in a coffee shop in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, where we’re interviewing him and his mom, Liesl Fuller (39).

With the sprinkling of light freckles on his nose and the earring in his right ear, he’s a carbon copy of his dad.

“He’s always been my role model,” Rashard says. “He was always someone I looked up to, up until Grade 10 when I was 15 or 16 years old. Then I realised I was more influenced by the lifestyle he had, rather than the person he is.”

What stands out for Rashard from the past few years is all the birthdays, Christmases and special moments his father has missed.

“I was always the one left picking up the pieces if Herschelle dropped him,” Liesl says. “In interviews I always protected him – pretending he’s a good father. No more.”

By the time of going to print Herschelle (43) hadn’t responded to allegations he’s an absent father. These days he plays for Pinelands Cricket Club in Cape Town.

Esta historia es de la edición 18 January 2018 de YOU South Africa.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición 18 January 2018 de YOU South Africa.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE YOU SOUTH AFRICAVer todo
PUSHED TO THE LIMIT
YOU South Africa

PUSHED TO THE LIMIT

The unusual relationship between an heiress and her husband has taken a sinister twist

time-read
5 minutos  |
5 September 2024
HOW TO MAKE A SUPERBABY
YOU South Africa

HOW TO MAKE A SUPERBABY

Noor Siddiqui says her company can test embryos for hundreds of conditions from diabetes to Alzheimer's. Critics call it social engineering but she insists she's just giving prospective parents the means to avoid a lot of future heartache

time-read
10+ minutos  |
5 September 2024
THE GROWN-UP BRAIN
YOU South Africa

THE GROWN-UP BRAIN

If you think your brain deteriorates as you age, think again!

time-read
3 minutos  |
5 September 2024
THE eyes HAVE IT
YOU South Africa

THE eyes HAVE IT

They're the windows to our soul - and the first place to show the stresses of everyday life. Juliette Winter reveals expert tips to de-puff, brighten and smooth this delicate area

time-read
1 min  |
5 September 2024
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER
YOU South Africa

WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

It hasn't been an easy road but now this bodybuilding couple are making waves in the industry

time-read
4 minutos  |
5 September 2024
I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER!
YOU South Africa

I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER!

Annetjie's about to get effective treatment for the skin condition that has blighted her life and she's looking forward to hitting the shops and facing the world

time-read
5 minutos  |
5 September 2024
'SHE NO THREAT TO ANYONE'
YOU South Africa

'SHE NO THREAT TO ANYONE'

When SA boxer Chris van Heerden's Russian girlfriend went to visit her parents she was thrown in jail and accused of treasonnow he's in a fight to free her

time-read
5 minutos  |
5 September 2024
SUNK IN 16 MINUTES!
YOU South Africa

SUNK IN 16 MINUTES!

A sun-drenched holiday turned into a living nightmare for those aboard this luxury vessel

time-read
5 minutos  |
5 September 2024
READY TO SMILE AGAIN
YOU South Africa

READY TO SMILE AGAIN

A groundbreaking surgical procedure will restore this Limpopo teen's badly damaged jaw and teeth

time-read
5 minutos  |
5 September 2024
HARRY AT A CROSSROADS
YOU South Africa

HARRY AT A CROSSROADS

As the prince turns 40, royal experts paint a picture of a troubled soul- isolated, homesick and struggling to find a purpose in life

time-read
8 minutos  |
5 September 2024