By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Springboks, champions of the Rugby World Cup 2023 painted the town red in East London — marking the grand finale of the Springbok Trophy Tour.
Having already stirred up a festive fervor in Durban, Cape Town, and Gauteng, the tour’s last leg transformed the streets of East London into a jubilatory carnival.
Thousands of supporters, their hearts brimming with gratitude, thronged to congratulate the team that clinched the coveted trophy for the record fourth time.
A special Sunday in East London ??#Springboks #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/PZ9wfjS5g3
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 5, 2023
Lukhanyo Am, who hails from the Eastern Cape said it was very “special” to feel the love of the people.
“We know what it means for the people and just seeing it was very good,” he said.
The East London leg of the @Springboks trophy tour was fire. I certify it DELICIOUS!!! Thanks @OfficialBCMM and @EASTERNCAPEGOV.#SpringboksTrophyTour #StrongerTogether #HomeOfLegends pic.twitter.com/3Z2xzQAzeX
— Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane (@MabuyaneOscar) November 5, 2023
Jayden Hendricks, said he was excited to be in the Eastern Cape and to meet the people in the streets.
He said playing for Border was one of the best times of his rugby career and being back in the streets of East London with the Springboks was really great.
Hendricks said it was great to be back home, adding that the trophy tour to the other big centres was “unreal” being the first time for him.
Scenes in Mdantsane in East London as thousands of fans celebrate with the Springboks pic.twitter.com/s3sBm7EmCF
— Bhabha? (@Ziyanda_ZZ) November 5, 2023
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has thanked the rugby team for sharing their victory with the rest of the country.
It is wonderful to see the @Springboks feel the love South Africans have for them, and for communities to see our World Champions. East London, Mdantsane, Duncan Village, celebrate your Bokke heroes #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/7VWn5lUqaj
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) November 5, 2023
The Springbok Trophy Tour was steeped in festivity, unity, and inspiration.
It underscored the power of dreams, hard work, and sacrifice and highlighted the role of sports in fostering communal harmony and catalyzing positive societal change.
As the Springboks return to their clubs worldwide, the echoes of their victory will continue to inspire future generations of rugby enthusiasts and sportspeople.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.