An estimated 350 fans welcomed the Springboks to Mbombela at KMI Airport earlier this evening, September 22.
The South African team arrived on a direct flight from Argentina for the deciding match of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, September 28.
Fans gathered at the international arrivals exit of the airport from as early as 16:00. The aircraft landed at about 17:50, but the wait was far from over with the team and support staff having to go through the disembarkation and customs processes first.
The green and gold crowd was not perturbed. They cheered, sang “Shosholoza” and other songs, including the national anthem.
@lowvelder The Springboks have arrived in Mbombela ahead of their clash with Argentina next Saturday, September 28. The team and staff landed at KMI Airport on a direct flight from Argentina along with their upcoming opponents at 18:00. > Video: Blake Linder #springboks #RugbyChampionship #springboksvsargentina #foreverstrong #GreenAndGold #StrongerTogether
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Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth made an appearance first and spent 25 minutes signing autographs and taking selfies with the delighted supporters.
The rest of the team then made their way out of the international arrivals terminal and walked past the crowd giving out high-fives, on their way to the team bus. Some of them stopped to greet fans. Lowveld-born member of the coaching staff Duane Vermeulen was the last to head to the bus, after stopping to snap pics and sign shirts and balls.
The Bok supporters went home with green and gold spirit pumping through their veins.
It was an amazing experience. The fact that after a long flight, the players took time to appreciate the welcome speaks volumes of the Springbok culture. That so many fans braved the 13֯C weather to the welcome the team also speaks volumes for the support they will receive in Mbombela over the next six days.
