Since his school days, Phil Holloway has always been actively involved in sports. From cricket to rugby, athletics, and even playing some soccer for West End back in the ’80s, sports have been an integral part of his life since a young age.
THE CHANCES are that if you have ever been to a thrilling sporting event in Kimberley, you have probably spotted a passionate, stockily-built man with a striking blue face and head.
You may have wondered who that energetic supporter is. Around the city, many people refer to him as the “Blue Smurf of Kimberley”, and while there may be a few people who are not familiar with him, one thing is certain: the vibrant face paint is a genuine expression of his unwavering love for sports.
The ‘Blue Smurf’ is Phillip Holloway, a sprightly 62-year-old who was born in Springs but has spent most of his life in Kimberley.
Phillip, also affectionately called Phil, has been a well-known and respected member of the Kimberley community for the past 56 years. He completed his schooling career at Boys’ High alongside the famous Proteas cricketer Pat Symcox, who finished a year ahead of him.
Since his school days, Phil has always been actively involved in sports. From cricket to rugby, athletics, and even playing some soccer for West End back in the ’80s, sports have been an integral part of his life since a young age.
During an interview with the DFA, Phil explained where the idea to paint his face for sporting events originated.
“This idea started years ago,” he said. “I remember Kobus Wiese interviewing someone before a Springboks vs All Blacks game and the newspaper headline said ‘Gaan groen’ (Go green), and since then I have been painting myself for sports events.
“When the Springboks play, I am green, and when the Griquas play I am peacock blue.”
Phil said that he has a deep love for school sports, particularly rugby and netball. When asked why he paints his face blue for school sports, he spoke about his affinity for Diamantveld High School.
“I am a Diamantveld supporter through and through,” he said. “We used to stay next to Wessel Lightfoot, Eddie Lightfoot’s brother, who played in SA schools in 1981. When I saw his love for the school and what it meant for him, it rubbed off on me, and eventually the school made me their number one supporter.”
Phil added that he was informally adopted by the school two decades ago. “Back in 2003, Dr James Standerson, then captain of the first team, gave me a supporters’ T-shirt and from there I started painting myself blue every time they took to the sports field. So, I have been painting myself for the past 20 years,” he explained.
According to Phil, another paint job is coming this weekend, when Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School butt heads during the 2023 Classic Clashes that will be held at Northern Cape’s grounds.
“I am not missing the Classic Clashes, I will definitely be there,” Phil said, adding that he has a slight concern, however. “I am a bit worried. Northern Cape High School has a very good first team this year, and Diamantveld will need to be on top of their game. But I will be supporting rugby and netball like I always do.”
Over the past two decades, Phil estimates that he has gone through “a lot” of face paint, saying that it usually takes him about 20 to 30 minutes to apply a fresh coat of craft paint. And he is probably going to use quite a bit more, for the record, saying that he plans to attend sports events and paint his face for as long as the Lord permits him to.
His big dream, he says, is that he wants to attend the centenary celebration of Diamantveld in 12 years’ time.
As the years have gone by, Phil’s love for sports and his beloved Diamantveld High School has not faded. He is always present in the stands, painted blue and cheering; his unwavering presence is always felt by the players and supporters alike.
The Blue Smurf of Kimberley may have started out as just a passionate spectator, but over time he has become a true supporter in the eyes of the city community.
Phil’s dedication and love for sports have left a lasting impact on the people around him, and you will always see someone responding to his friendly face and connecting with him.
One thing we can be assured of is that after this year’s Classic Clashes match, as Phil makes his way home in the aftermath of the big game, Diamantveld and the Kimberley community will have no doubt in their minds that they will always have a loyal, dedicated, and energetic supporter called Phillip Holloway cheering them on.
