The most celebrated Springbok Sevens player of his generation, Cecil Afrika, has ended his Blitzboks journey after 12 seasons, but hasn’t quite given up on his Olympic dream.
Unless called upon, South Africa’s highest points’ scorer will not don the Blitzbok colours again after a mutual agreement between the player and Springbok Sevens management.
Afrika’s national contract will run its course at the end of July and with no international matches or tournaments scheduled in that time, it means that the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year (2011) will bow out after 345 World Rugby Sevens Series matches and a points tally of 1 462.
Afrika, who made his debut in Dubai in 2009, played in his final and 66th tournament for his country in Vancouver in March this year.
He was part of two World Series-winning Blitzbok squads (2017 and 2018), as well as the South African team that won Commonwealth Games gold (2014) and Olympic bronze (2016) medals.
The 32-year-old says of his decision to hang up his boots: “Beyond contractual agreements, as a professional athlete, one is always aware of the fact that the time will come that you either stop playing for a team or when you retire, and in this instance it only means that I will not be with the Blitzboks.
“Being part of the Springbok Sevens has been a truly and incredible time of my career and the Blitzboks will forever be family and home.
“I cannot go without saying a massive thank you to the supporters. I always appreciate their unrelenting and continued support, encouragement and the part they play in making this sport as spectacular as it is. Hopefully they will continue to support me wherever I go...
“As management has mentioned, the possibility remains should the opportunity to play in the 2021 Olympics present itself.
“I am always ready to play should the Blitzboks need me.”