Thousands turn out for Springboks
Gabi Khumalo
26 October 2007The Springboks took to the road on Friday to parade the William Webb Ellis Trophy and to thank their fans for the support they have shown throughout the Rugby World Cup.
On Friday morning President Thabo Mbeki hosted the national team after they united South Africans by triumphing over England 15-6 at the Stade de France last Saturday.
The rainbow nation's pride was evident as thousands of fans braved the cold and rain, waiting patiently outside the Union Buildings to greet their heroes.
On arrival the team was welcomed by the sounds of vuvuzelas and fans holding up "Viva Bokke" placards. On entering the marquee where Mbeki was to welcome them, Tina Turner's track Simply The Best increased the excitement as the audience stood up cheering for the Boks.Captain John Smit said that while the team had rejoiced after the final whistle blew in Paris, their victory didn't sink in until the team touched down in South Africa.
"The images of vuvuzelas, dancing and music were more rewarding than winning, it is the best gift to give to you South Africans," Smit said before presenting the Webb Ellis Trophy to Mbeki.
Mbeki thanked the Springboks for helping build a non-racial country and said every South African was right behind them.
"We are very proud of the team, it is a victory that inspired not only [South Africans] but the continent," Mbeki said.
Mbeki said the government tended to overlook the potential of building the sport from school level. "We rely on [the Springboks] to inspire the young people to play rugby," he said. "We want to put controversy behind us by making sure that we train and prepare the [future] players."
Springbok coach Jake White thanked the President and the staff for their support during the tournament.
"At least 47 million South Africans supported us and there was no reason for us not to win," White said before taking off his green tie and handing it to the President. "I don't think he looks nice in the blue tie he's wearing, so I'll give him mine," White joked.
Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile said South Africa would be going to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand as defenders of the title of the best rugby players in the world.
The Springboks have a full programme ahead as their ticker-tape parade continues throughout the country.
On Saturday morning, the team will be off to see their fans in Soweto before heading off to meet former President Nelson Mandela at his home in Houghton.
They will then head to Bloemfontein, where the mayor will address them.
In the evening they will depart for Durban to be on time to parade through the city on Sunday morning. The team will travel on an open-roofed bus for two hours through the streets of the city, before heading to the Suncoast Casino to meet and greet supporters.
The Springboks will visit Port Elizabeth before departing for Cape Town, where the players will get an opportunity to greet their fans from balcony of the City Hall on Monday.
Mayor Helen Zille will deliver a speech before the team takes to the streets of Cape Town at noon.
Finally, Smit will hand the Webb Ellis Trophy over to SA Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins Hoskins at Newlands Rugby Stadium.
Source: BuaNews
