The Springboks, four-time World Rugby Champions. Photo: X/@LindoMyeni
As streets turn green and gold with supporters celebrating the Springboks‘ magnificent triumph at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has assured people that safety measures are in place ahead of the arrival of the world champions for their celebration tour.
After wooing fans in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Boks will head to the KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday to celebrate with fans.
Kaunda said the citizens of KZN and eThekwini Municipality are excited about the Springboks arrival.
“We are filled with anticipation as we prepare to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Springboks, who have etched their names in history by securing their fourth Rugby World Cup victory.”
@thecitizen_news The Springboks crossing over the Nelson Mandela bridge In Braamfontein, 2 November 2023. #fyp #foryou #thecitizennews #southafrica #rugbyworldcup2023 #bokke #springboks #boks ♬ original sound – The Citizen
As part of their national tour, the Springboks will also receive an official welcome from KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and the MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
While the precise tour route through Durban will be confirmed in due course, it is expected to commence in uMhlanga, traversing through KwaMashu, travelling along the picturesque Durban Beachfront, with a brief ceremonial stop at the Durban City Hall.
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Meanwhile, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi thanked fans for their support.
“Thank you to the people of South Africa, we as a team chose to dedicate this World Cup to the people of South Africa. You are the reason that we are where we are today. You don’t ever give up. We, as the Springboks, are very diverse like the people of South Africa, and we just wanted to show diversity is our strength in South Africa,” Kolisi said.
The Springboks returned home from the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Tuesday, after edging New Zealand’s All Blacks 12-11 in an incredible and tense final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis last weekend. It was a record fourth World Cup title for South Africa.
Additional reporting by Marizka Coetzer
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