Damian jou lekker ding: Bok ace Willemse gets hero’s welcome in Strand ‘hood
|Published
HOMECOMING: Strand fans go wild as Damian pulls up in BMW
Strand went bos for Springbok World Cup winner Damian Willemse yesterday. Hundreds of excited residents lined up to welcome their hero home.
The 25-year-old utility back was a key man in the history-making Bok squad who won a fourth Webb Ellis Cup in France last month.
Willemse was welcomed by a sea of fans in green and gold who flocked to his childhood home in Hassan Khan Avenue.
Residents could not contain their excitement as Willemse arrived in style in a black BMW convertible, with the top down.
According to Willemse, this was the first time he’s been “back in the ‘hood” since he played in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final in May for the Stormers.
He says: “It feels great to be back home. I haven’t been home since I left for the URC finals, so it’s great to be back as a champ.
“It’s great to be received by the people of Strand, my community. It’s very special to come back home to something like this.
The two-time Rugby World Cup champion also addressed his community and expressed his gratitude for their support, saying: “Dankie vir julle uitkoms, ek is dankbaar.
Long-time neighbour Mana Fredericks described Willemse as a genuine ou.
He says: “Hy is ‘n plat-op-die-grond man, hy het altyd tyd om ’n foto te vat met ’n mens.
“Damian is net Damian, hy is ’n groot voorbeeld vir die laaities.”
Florence Ruiters, 72, adds: “I watched his last few matches, he is fantastic on the field. My tears were rolling for Damian.”
Gordons Bay resident Steven Peterse, the brains behind local clothing brand Disi Punt, said Willemse should be celebrated for his amazing achievements.
He says: “I brought a present for him, a T-shirt that says ‘Disi Bokke’ because he is such an inspiration for the youth and he has set a great example.
As the Daily Voice drove through the streets of Stand, youngsters were chanting the star’s name and cheering.
Jason Hartnick, 14, says: “It is a privilege to meet a superstar because I look up to him. He is one of my favourite players in the Springbok team.”
A cheerful Willemse interacted with supporters, posing for pictures and selfies and signing their Bok T-shirts.
Willemse had tongues wagging last week when he had the Webb Ellis Cup tattooed on his bottom, and proudly showed it off on social media.