In a Flash: What the Rugby World Cup victory means to South Africans
NIETGEDACHT – After an unbelievable final between England and South Africa on 2 November, Flash Malinga reflects on the Springboks' victory and what it means for the country.
HeronBridge College teacher, U18 Golden Lions Academy head rugby coach and Elite Players Development camp U16 coach Flash Malinga writes:
It has been a hard road to the finals by the Springboks – losing the first match against New Zealand, beating Italy, Canada and Namibia in the pool stages, eliminating against the hosts in the quarter-finals, winning against Wales in the semi-finals and finally, winning 32–12 against the English in the finals.
What does all this mean? Well, I think to the players it means they have achieved the ultimate goal. As a player, there is absolutely no higher achievement than lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. To the coaches it means a job well done. As a coach I know how it feels to spend hours on the field and in the boardroom trying to paint the bigger picture to players, when you see your players painting the same picture on the field, it is simply amazing.
To the 57 million South Africans it means more than just a win, this victory is the good news that South Africans have been longing for a long time. Let’s face it, we come from different backgrounds, different cultures and we sure differ when it comes to our political views. When the final whistle blew, we all united into one. It didn’t matter whether you were in Cape Town, Soweto, Fourways, East London or Chrissiesmeer, we all had a common reason to smile.
What I really like about the 2019 team is that it is fully transformed and represents the nation very well. It is made up of players from totally different backgrounds who united and showed the world how strong the nation is when we work together. It is good to see the rainbow nation smiling again.
What a moment for Siya Kolisi. The beauty of African names is that they always have a meaning, Siya, short for Siyamthanda, is a Xhosa name which means ‘we love him’. I have no doubt that, just like his name, he is really loved by the nation.
Memories of the 2019 Rugby World Cup will live within all of us for a long time just like 1995 and 2007 memories. Congratulations to the Springboks for making all of us proud.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/316549/watch-five-stand-moments-rugby-world-cup/
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/316983/watch-sangoma-predicts-springboks-winning-rugby-world-cup-final/
