Boks are sent on their way

Nelson Mandela Square was wall-to-wall green and gold, with South African flags waving, as tens of thousands of people turned up to wish the Springboks luck in the World Cup.
BY SUNDOWN, Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton was a sea of green and gold as fans and the faithful bid farewell to the Springboks on Thursday, 1 September.

Thousands of Bokke fans throng Nelson Mandela SquareThousands of Bokke fans throng Nelson Mandela SquareThe 30-man Springbok squad was officially sent off to New Zealand to represent South Africa in the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup, at a national Fans Farewell.

It was a cheerful scene, with more than 40 000 fans squeezed into the square to show their support to the national team – and oh boy they did so wholeheartedly.

Dressed almost to a man in green and gold Springboks jerseys, with each one holding a South African flag, everyone waited eagerly for the squad to arrive. Seeing the fans, young and old, dancing the famous Bokke jive, the energy and patriotism of South Africans was palpable.

A huge roar erupted the crowd moments before two SAA helicopters bearing South African flags flew over the square. And then, finally, after a long wait, the Springbok team, dressed in their snazzy gold and green suits, arrived to a cheerful crowd.

On hand to say goodbye was the minister of sport and recreation, Fikile Mbalula; the MEC of sport and recreation, Lebogang Maile; the president of South African Football Association (Safa), Kirsten Nematendani; and his vice-president, Danny Jordan.

Team

Bok players bid farewell to their fansBok players bid farewell to their fansSpeaking out, Mbalula said the Springboks were a force to be reckoned with. “I stand in front of you representing pride, honour, love, unity, respect and excellence. We have never been so inspired as South Africans, like we are today, because of this team of hard-working men.

“Go to New Zealand to fight for your country and make us proud. Do not just become a mere statistic. Bring the cup home.”

He urged South Africans to unite fully behind the squad. “All South Africans must stand together and throw their weight behind the boys.”

The man at the helm of the Boks, Peter de Villiers, expressed his satisfaction regarding the readiness of the team. He said the players were prepared psychologically and physically, ahead of what could be a history-making event in for the squad. They will be looking to be the first side to retain the title, and to win the William Webb Ellis trophy for the third time.

De Villiers said he was humbled by the support of South Africans. “This is the highlight of my life. We have the interest of [millions of] people in our hearts, and we promise to give our best to ensure that we bring [home] the trophy.”

Captain
Equally confident and enthusiastic was the captain, John Smit. “For the next eight weeks we will have [millions of] people in our hearts and minds, and I think that is enough motivation for us to bring the trophy home.”

Freshly Ground provide some entertainmentFreshly Ground provide some entertainmentThe Boks are two times world champions; they won in 1995 and 2007. They will play their first match against Wales on 11 September at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Several players from the winning 2007 squad will be playing again, among them winger Brian Habana, who has scored eight tries, and the vice-captain, Victor Matfield, who has been on top of his game.

Among the well-wishers at the farewell was Chester Williams, a man who knows exactly what it means to represent the country at World Cup level. Williams, who played winger in his glory days, was part of the squad that lifted the 1995 championship.

“I have every confidence that the squad will bring back the trophy. The 2011 World Cup squad is arguably the most experienced in the history of the Boks,” he said.

Also wishing the team well was the Bafana Bafana head coach, Pitso Mosimane. “Fellow countrymen, we want to let you know that we are fully behind you as you are going to a war. You have full Bafana Bafana support.”

Springbok fever infected everyone; among them was 21-year-old Jacqueline Makobe form Alexandra. “I do not understand rugby, but this is a national team and I feel it is my responsibility to pledge my support,” Makobe said.

Another Springbok faithful was Tinyiko Baloyi. The 20-year-old travelled all the way from Mamelodi in Pretoria just to say goodbye to the squad. “I love the Boks, and South African rugby. We will rally behind them all the way.”

World Cup fixtures can be checked online.