The Rugby World Cup champions have been on their victory tour since Thursday 2 November, after successfully defending their Webb Ellis Trophy in France, a week ago. Excited supporters gathered outside the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel in the Citybowl, where the players stayed, since early on Friday to spot their heroes.
“Thank you for your support and for standing united behind us. That drives us to be united as a team too. We want to encourage you to keep believing in us and keep working to be as united as you are,” Springboks Captain Siya Kolisi told thousands of supporters gathered at the Grand Parade for a glimpse of their heroes on Friday 3 November.
The Rugby World Cup champions have been on their victory tour since Thursday 2 November, after successfully defending their Webb Ellis Trophy in France, a week ago.
Excited supporters gathered outside the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel in the Citybowl, where the players stayed, since early on Friday to spot their heroes.
Nur-Ali Baderoen from Strand says: “Everyone played hard. They are uniting the people once again.”
Donovan Arrow explains that he drove all the way from De Doorns, in Breede Valley, to catch a glimpse of his favourite rugby stars.
A concert was held at the Parade before the team made their way on an open bus through the CBD, Langa, Bonteheuwel and Valhalla Park.
Kolisi had the crowd roaring at the parade when he greeted them in true Cape Town slang, saying “Awe masekinders (Hello, friends).”
He added that the support that rugby receives in the Western Cape “is second to none.”
“Thank you for your support and for standing united behind us. That drives us to be united as a team too. We want to encourage you to keep believing in us and keep working to be as united as you are.”
He adds: “Before we played coach Rassie told us, it’s not about our team anymore, it’s about you, the people. So, I hope we’ve made you proud. I really believe once we work together and make sure we think of each other, we can do a lot. We appreciate you.”
Flyhalf, Manie Libbok describes hearing the final whistle blow during the world cup final as an “incredible” feeling.
“I feel grateful. It’s just a cherry on the cake on my journey and career this far.”
Cheslyn Kolbe took to the podium and thanked the residents from his hometown, Kraaifontein, for their support.
“We are proud to be back in South Africa, in Cape Town. thank you for coming out to support us. The whole team come from different backgrounds and diversities. But this is the beauty of us. Let’s stand together, let’s pray together and just love each other.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the group and said: “Thank you, we love you so much. I hope that you can feel the love and affection from our city.”
