GEORGE NEWS - After caring for the Japanese team for almost three weeks, Fancourt staff had to say goodbye as the team departed for their new World Cup home in Gauteng.

The Japanese players spent time signing autographs and posing for photographs with the staff before leaving Fancourt on Sunday. Fancourt and George are considered lucky for the team, as a previous ladies’ golf tournament hosted by the estate was won by Japan.
The team wrote very flattering messages in a special book provided by Fancourt.
Midfielder Keisuke Honda, named man of the match in both of Japan’s victories during the Group Stage of the World Cup wrote: "Thank you - next time I will come here for a holiday", whereas Japan’s head coach, Takeshi Okada thought the sports massages at the in-house spa were amongst the best he’s ever had.
Goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki wrote: "Fancourt is my home! George is my home town!"

Fancourt CEO Kerrin Titmas said it’s been an absolute privilege to host the team. "We have learnt a great deal about Japanese culture, their football and cuisine, but most importantly, we have made friends for life." On Sunday she wished the team much success for the remainder of their World Cup campaign and said they look forward to hosting them again at Fancourt in the future.

Article: Ilse Schoonraad


Minoru Imai (team chef, Japan Football Association), Grant Kennedy (executive chef, Fancourt), Yoshiteru Nishi (head team chef, JFA) and Andrew Fort (junior executive chef, Fancourt) pulled out all the stops.


Fancourt staff with Keisuke Honda. From the left are Cornel Haskins, Honda, Regina Petersen, Pieter Julies, Bridget Frost, Michelle Buys and Mia Basson.