Screams and sounds of vuvuzelas filled the air as proud Springboks supporters lined up the streets of Johannesburg to get a glimpse of their favourite rugby players and the Web Ellis Cup on Thursday, 7 November 2019.
Other supporters wearing Springboks green and yellow T-shirts, young and old, expressed their excitement through singing and dancing.
The Springboks won their third Rugby World Cup on 2 November after a very competitive match against England at Yokohama, Japan.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba, together with Members of Mayoral Committee, met with the players at Orlando Stadium and congratulated them on their historic achievement.
“What the Springboks achieved shows what can happen if we hold hands together as a country. The team demonstrated that it’s possible despite what we are facing as a country,” Mashaba adds.
Thousands of Soweto residents gathered outside the stadium praising Springboks captain Siya Kolisi for leading the team to victory.
Kolisi said the final match against England was dedicated to the country. “Before the game started, our coach Rassie Erasmus sat down with us and told us to do it for our country, South Africa. Our goal was to bring the trophy home and we did it,” an excited Siya explained.
President of South African Rugby Mark Alexander said the support they received during the parade in Pretoria and Johannesburg was overwhelming.
“Thank you South Africa. We couldn’t have won the World Cup without you. As we were driving through the streets of the Johannesburg, we were reminded how much we needed this win. Despite what we are going through as a country, we have something to smile and celebrate about,” Alexander added.
South Africa first won the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and won it again in 2007. The victory parade tour started at Pretoria then Joburg before ending at Soweto Vilakazi Street. It continued to Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London in the coming days.
Written by Takalani Sioga
