Kolisi urges fans to now get behind the Proteas in World Cup campaign

Springbok World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi made a passionate plea for the South African sport supporting public to back the Proteas as they continue their Cricket World Cup campaign in India over the next month.

The Proteas have enjoyed a stunning start to the World Cup, having won five of their six pool matches to sit second on the log and are on the verge of qualifying for the competition semifinals. They take on New Zealand in Pune on Wednesday.

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Kolisi was speaking at a press conference at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, having just touched down with his victorious side and the Webb Ellis trophy after their successful World Cup title defence in France and he urged the fans to now get fully behind the Proteas.

“The Proteas are in India and they are making us proud. They’ve been fighting as hard as they can,” said Kolisi.

“They have been sending us messages of support. So to Temba (Bavuma) and the team, I just want to encourage the country to please get behind them as much as you were behind us.

“They really do deserve our support and they have been showing why they deserve our support. They are trying to do something that has never been done before (win the Cricket World Cup). So we need to support them like we have never done before.”

Shot of inspiration

Kolisi continued: “I honestly don’t have to tell you how well they’re playing because you can see. So please let’s get behind them. We (the Boks) hope that we have given them a little shot of inspiration going forward.

“Imagine if (South Africa) has the Springboks as a World Cup winning team and the Proteas also do it. So to Temba and the team, we are all behind you and we love and appreciate you.”

The Proteas have three pool games left before the tournament knockouts, and one more win would likely seal their place in the semifinals.

After Wednesday’s clash against New Zealand they’ll take on hosts India in what should be a blockbuster match on Sunday, and then close out their pool phase with a game against Afghanistan next week Friday.