The World Cup-winning Springboks embarked on a four-day homecoming tour in Pretoria on Thursday, where they were greeted by thousands of cheering supporters. President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the team for uniting a nation that has had a divisive history.
South Africa clinched their fourth World Cup title, their second consecutive one, by narrowly defeating arch-rivals New Zealand 12-11 in a thrilling final in Paris last Saturday. The players, wearing gold medals, arrived at the Union Buildings, the government’s seat, on a yellow open-top bus. They met with President Ramaphosa, who expressed his pride and declared a public holiday on December 15 to commemorate the historic victory.
Ramaphosa spoke to the team, saying, “Saturday night, you strode off the pitch of victory and passed into legend,” commending them for lifting the spirits of the entire nation and unifying the South African people.
After posing for a photo with the president, the players continued their tour of the capital. They drove through streets lined with thousands of dancing and cheering people. The Springboks, once reviled as a symbol of apartheid, have captured the hearts of the nation and serve as a symbol of unity.
Siya Kolisi, the Springboks’ first black Test captain, emphasized the strength of diversity in South Africa and dedicated the trophy to “the people of South Africa.” The players, sporting yellow t-shirts with the team’s motto “Stronger Together,” greeted the crowd and enjoyed beer as they paraded through the streets.
Although some key figures, such as director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and fan-favorite Faf de Klerk, couldn’t attend the celebrations, the festive atmosphere remained.
Following the Pretoria stop, the Springboks were welcomed by enthusiastic cheers in Johannesburg, where they visited the headquarters of one of their major sponsors. They were also scheduled to visit Soweto, a township known for its anti-apartheid activism.
The history of the Springboks is intertwined with South Africa’s tumultuous past. For 90 years, only white players were selected, while black and mixed-race athletes were excluded. This began to change after the advent of democracy in 1994, with Nelson Mandela famously supporting the team when they won their first World Cup in 1995.
In recent years, Siya Kolisi has played a pivotal role in introducing many young black South Africans to the sport. The Springboks’ latest triumph brought joy to a nation grappling with economic inequality, unemployment, electricity and water crises, and high crime rates.
President Ramaphosa stated, “The performance of the Springboks has reminded us that even amidst our many challenges, there is always room for optimism and hope.” The team’s tour will continue with stops in Cape Town, Durban, and East London.
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