NOUMEA – Football arouses such strong passions in fans all over the world and it is easy to forget that it is despite it all, only a game. For Auckland City striker Keryn Jordan there is no danger of any such confusion. The 34-year-old former South African international arrived in New Zealand less than 4 years ago and made such a huge impact with his first club Waitakere United that he was touted as a potential Hyundai A-League signing for the New Zealand Knights.
Jordan turned down the opportunity to sign for the Knights and instead made his way to Kiwitea Street to join Auckland City and it was there that the amicable Jordan won the first of two New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) titles.
With life seemingly on an upturn in a brand new country far from the flurry and tension in South Africa the Jordan family were hit with a hammer blow as Keryn was diagnosed with cancer. Auckland City FC – keen to protect the privacy of one of its most well-loved imports – said Jordan was injured as a protracted battle against cancer began.
Jordan’s situation was compounded by the loss of his father as visa issues meant cancer treatment could only be carried out in South Africa. The plight of the Jordan family became news as a documentary covered the story.
After 3 months on the sidelines facing challenges Jordan made an emotional comeback as a substitute in an NZFC clash against Team Wellington.
It was this brave face in the show of adversity that inspired the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) General Secretary Tai Nicholas to help promote the idea of Jordan taking part in the Christian Karembeu Jubilee Match in Noumea.
"Keryn is a well-known figure in Oceania football and he has had a positive impact on the game. To overcome so many hurdles and with the impassioned support of Auckland City FC’s football family and it’s chairman Ivan Vuksich – it was with great delight when we named Jordan in the Karembeu celebrations," Nicholas said.
Indeed the likeable South African turned in a fine performance against the former FIFA World Cup, Euro 2000 and FIFA Confederations Cup winning "Les Bleus" including a still very capable Zinedine Zidane.
Jordan grabbed himself the number seven shirt from one of the Karembeu team at the end of the match.
Christian Karembeu said Jordan’s story was an inspiring one and it was an honour to include him in the celebrations.
"This is an inspiring story of courage and love and for me it was fitting to share this moment with a special player – I wish him a full recovery and happiness for his family," Karembeu told www.oceaniafootball.com
photos by Marc Peretic Wilson