RECAP: The why behind the Springboks
With the Springboks’ World Cup tour fully behind us, one could not forget the magnitude of their historic achievement.
Fresh from the Pretoria/Johannesburg leg of the four-day tour, the Springboks headed to Cape Town to celebrate on November 3, 2023 – a day where thousands of Capetonians, nevermind background or race, were united.
The Springbok team, management, backroom staff and family, gathered at the Southern Sun Cullinan, where fans already gathered in patches for the World Cup champions.
They embarked to the City Hall, where a sea of supporters dressed with anything Springboks and South Africa, awaited their arrival.
“It has been incredible,” Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff said as he fronted the media in the streets of Cape Town.
“All the love, passion and support have been electric.”
Cape Town Springbok supporters are gearing up to welcome Siya and the team at the City Hall 🏆👇🇿🇦#Springboks #TrophyTour #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/EEGfMYObte
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2023
Kitshoff is no stranger to trophy tours in the city, having been part of the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup tour and the Stormers’ 2022 United Rugby Championship title tour.
“Seeing the ladies and oomies [uncles] on the side of the bus, cheering and crying really is the standout for me.”
Whatever it takes to see Siya and the boys 🏆👇🇿🇦#Springboks #TrophyTour #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/nXgYRLU8DI
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2023
It was a fond farewell for Kitshoff, who is set to join Ulster from the Stormers.
In front of the City Hall, fans were treated to performances which included an appearance by the iconic PJ Powers.
The 63-year-old performed her famous Jabulani and World in Union.
Soon the Boks made their way to the stage, first Faf De Klerk – sporting his famous Springbok flag Speedo, followed by the team.
Damian Willemse finally changed out of his World Cup final Kit, which he had been wearing since the Final on October 28.
Bongi received a special gift this morning 😉#R365 pic.twitter.com/hp6VDl4OrV
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2023
Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis handed hooker Bongi Mbonambi a very cheeky green T-shirt with the words ‘wenkant’ printed on it – referring to the incident that happened between the hooker and England’s Tom Curry at the World Cup semifinal match.
Captain Siya Kolisi and Kraaifontein’s very own Cheslin Kolbe addressed the cheering fans.
“I’m really proud to be back in Cape Town. Thank you for the support,” Kolbe said.
“As a team, we come from different backgrounds, different cultures but this right here [the fans at the parade] is the beauty of us all.
“Let stand together, pray for each other and love each other.”
Kolisi added: “My rugby career began here [in Cape Town].
“The support that rugby is given here in the Western Cape is zero to none.
“And I just want to thank you for your support.
“Thank you for standing united behind us.”
He added: “It is really beautiful to see”
Fans followed in their thousands as the tour bus went down Adderley Street, Wale Street, Long Street, Buitensingel and Loop Street.
Langa, the Boks are coming!🏆👇🇿🇦#Springboks #TrophyTour #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/nmV47hqVrR
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2023
And while the CBD has left the Boks and their family in awe nothing could really describe the scenes in Langa and Bonteheuwel.
The sight of little kids, running after the bus was scary and at the same time absolutely incredible.
There were posters of ‘We Love you Siya’ and ‘Hulle Weet nie wat ons weet nie’, while people were climbing trees, they were on top of busses, trucks, houses, schools and even traffic lights, just to get a glimpse of the Boks.
Shebeen and tuckshop owners were blasting music with Boerie rolls sold on every corner.
Bonteheuwel, the Boks arrived🏆👇🇿🇦#Springboks #TrophyTour #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/mgxPfFWEkG
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2023
And even if they only saw the Boks for a few minutes, it was an absolute jubilant experience and a moment of celebration that made you realize that this truly means more.
The Rainbow Nation is what made Siya Kolisi and his brothers different.
It gives them a reason to fight, that extra edge to overcome adversaries and record one-point wins over France, England and New Zealand.
@leezil07
@rugby365com
