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Excitement was evident on the faces of Langa residents when the Springboks visited the area during the Springbok Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour on Monday 11 November. King Langalibalele Drive, also known as WashingtonRoad, came to a standstill as Boks lined up the road for a glimpse of their heroes.
Thousands of supporters including learners from local schools, some of them clad in their rugby shirts, waited patiently while others were singing.
Some residents were carrying placards while others were sitting on top of a roof to get a great view. Some of the placards had the following written on it: “Mapimpi, jou lekka ding”, “Welcome home Coach Rassie” and “Welcome home Captain Kolisi”.
Lindiwe Hewu from Zone 25 described the event as a great experience. She said it was her first time to see the Bok players face to face. “I want to see Siya Kolisi and ‘Beast’ Mtawarira. Both are my favourite players. I wish I can have a selfie with them,” she blushed. She said Amabhokobhoko did a tremendous job to unite the nation.
Taxi driver Mbulelo Jibe said he temporarily stopped his operation just to see the Springboks.
“My last trip from was at 11:00. I am waiting for the Boks to see the players live. I’m not a rugby fan but I watched a few games during the tournament,” said Jibe adding that his favourite player is Faf de Klerk. He said he was impressed with the number of black players selected into the squad. “I take my hat off for Rassie Erasmus for selecting 12 black players for the national squad. And they performed well, particularly Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe,” he said adding that he wishes the coach can keep the number of players in the squad for the future.
