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Bafana get behind the Springboks

3 June 2011

With the countdown on till the kick-off of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, South Africans are rallying around the defending world champion Springboks. Among the Boks' biggest supporters is Bafana Bafana.

The national football team came together on Wednesday to show their support and unite behind the Boks by donning Springbok jerseys to wish the team luck.

Bafana Bafana face three-time defending African Nations Cup champions Egypt in Cairo on Sunday in a hugely important qualifier that could see the Pharaohs elminiated from defending their title in 2012 finals.

Unite behind the Boks

On Wednesday, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) launched a massive "Unite behind the Boks 2011" campaign to ensure public excitement at the Springbok campaign and a call to support the national team.

Just like it happened with the 2010 Fifia World Cup, as well as the Cricket World Cup, Fridays and World Cup match days have been set aside for the public to wear Springbok jerseys in support of the national team, and will be known as Bok Day.

"This time last year, South Africans from all around the country united as we showed the world how wonderful our country is," said Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.

"Bafana Bafana felt the passion and energy of all South Africans as we took on the world, and now we encourage all South Africans to unite behind the Springboks as they go to defend their title as world champions."

'Wear the green and gold'

Bafana captain Steven Pienaar echoed Mosimane's sentiments. "We ask all South Africans to wear green and gold on all Bok Days to show the team that they have the support of the nation. We felt it, and we hope the Boks will feel it too.

"Bafana wishes the Springboks well over the next 100 days," Pienaar said. "May the preparations go as planned, and may you all stay injury-free to ensure that South Africa can field the strongest team as you take on the world."

Proud World Cup history

The Springboks have a very proud history in the Rugby World Cup. After not being part of the first two tournaments, in 1987 and 1991, the Boks won the event in their first attempt in 1995. They added a second World Cup title in 2007.

They also finished third in the 1999 tournament and have the highest winning percentage of all in the event, at 86%. They also have won the most titles, along with 1991 and 1999 champions Australia.

The Springboks are aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title and the first team to lift the William Webb Ellis Trophy three times.

SAinfo reporter