The Cape Town leg of the Springboks’ four-day trophy tour saw thousands of passionate fans flock to the streets of the central business district.
The Springbok team, along with management and backroom staff, gathered outside the City Hall where they were greeted by a horde of fans dressed in Springbok regalia, waving South African flags and holding posters declaring their love for the players.
Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick, captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel on the Springbok bus as it makes its way around Cape Town on November 2023. (Photo: Kyra Wilkinson)
“It’s an awesome feeling to be part of the experience. I never thought I’d ever be a world champion but here I am today,” said Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok, who is still in the infancy of his national team career with just 14 caps.
Libbok lives in Cape Town and has taken part in a trophy tour in the city before when the Stormers won the United Rugby Championship. However, that turnout pales in comparison against the jubilant and vibrant crowd out in their masses omn Friday.
“It’s nice to see all the people coming out here today. It hits deep in my heart. [Cape Town] is a place close to my heart. The faithful always support us,” Libbok said.
“It’s awesome to see all the people; we just want to thank them for their support throughout the World Cup. It definitely gave us a massive strength.”
Another local Stormers player, Damian Willemse, who wore his match-day attire for five days after the World Cup final, changed for the tour in Cape Town.
“It’s an amazing atmosphere here in Cape Town; it’s so great to be back home. The welcome we received in South Africa, especially here, has been over the top and we really appreciate it,” said the 25-year-old, who was also part of the Boks’ 2019 World Cup winning campaign.
“The kit’s done now. It got too stinky for me, I just couldn’t wear it anymore. The celebrations were epic last night so this morning I woke up and said the kit has got to go.”
Capetonian welcome
Crowds throng the Springbok bus in Darling Street in CapeTown’s CBD during the team’s Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour on 3 November 2023. (Photo: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Thousands of fans who gathered at the City Hall before 8am, waiting for the Boks’ arrival at 11am, were treated to incredible performances by DJ Ready D, Bravo Le Roux, Amy Jones, PJ Powers and many more.
The iconic PJ Powers, opened up proceedings with a rendition of the national anthem as the national team, including scrumhalf Faf de Klerk
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