The streets of the Cape Town city centre were abuzz as excited Stormers supporters braved the cold winter weather to cheer the United Rugby Championship (URC) champions earlier today (Friday 24 June).
The team paraded the URC trophy on an open-top bus through the city centre to thank fans for their support this season.
The Stormers were crowned inaugural URC Champions when they beat the Bulls 18-13 at Cape Town Stadium last Saturday (18 June).
Starting at the Grand Parade at 10:30, the Stormers took the trophy to the streets of Cape Town.
Fans were entertained by local artists, Vezz and Jarrad Ricketts.
Addressing the crowd outside the City Hall, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, says: “Last week Friday when I met with the team, they told me they just want to make Cape Town smile and they certainly did. Thank you to the Stormers. Thank you to the champions.”
Premier Alan Winde says: “We are here to say thank you to this amazing team, so on behalf of the citizens of our province, thank you. You guys made us winners. Now that you’ve won it, you have to keep it.”
Captain Steven Kitshoff thanked fans for their loyal support: “I want to thank everyone for celebrating with the team, it’s not the DHL Stormers, it’s the team of Cape Town, the team that represents everyone in the city. Thank you to the fans and the people who came every weekend to support us. The guys who are there through thick and thin cheering for us to give our best, thank you.”
Stormers fan Jean-Claude Laverlot says he travelled all the way from Hermanus.
“I woke up early this morning to support the Stormers. To win the finals is a big thing. There was a lot of doubters out there, but we are here to support and I am happy to be here.”
Galoet Arendse from Steenberg says her nickname is “Stormie”.
“This has always been my nickname, because I have always been a supporter of the Stormers. I came here to congratulate them in person. Seeing them live made my day.”
Debbie Stander from Bishop Lavis has been awaiting the team since 8:45 this morning. She says: “It is a pleasure to be here and support the Stormers. It’s great seeing them now as the number one team.”
The team will also be taking the trophy to other area around the city in the months ahead.
