Florida Park in Ravensmead was a hive of activity and excitement yesterday as hundreds of boys came out to meet their rugby heroes.
The Springbok squad for the 2018 Rugby Championship, which was named on Monday morning, came to the Cape Flats veld to put in two hours of training before a meet and greet with star-struck fans.
Led by popular captain Siya Kolisi, the Bokke had about 500 boys and even grown men shouting and screaming with excitement as they ran out into the pouring rain at Florida Park, the home of Tygerberg RFC.
Kolisi, prop Tendai Mtawarira, aka The Beast, flyhalf Damian Willemse, centre Damien de Allende and fullback Willie le Roux were mobbed when it was time to meet their fans.
The crowd also went wild when giant lock Eben Etzebeth walked on the sidelines.
After training at 5pm, fans were allowed onto the field to get autographs and pose for photos with the Bokke.
This day was a first of many to come, promised club chairperson Kevin Kiewitz.
Two weeks ago, Kevin was in Namibia and met with Bok manager Charles Wessels who made it all happen.
“I asked him if he would be interested in bringing the team to our club and he was open to it,” he explains.
“I was so excited when I heard they were coming. It was amazing.
“We are planning more meets and we wish the team all the best as they prepare for the Championship.”
Willemse and the Beast enjoyed all the attention.
“It was great being out here. The kids and their devotion to the Boks are a motivation to us when we go away,” said Beast.
Fan Denver Appolis, 14, from Elsies River says he just came to meet Kolisi.
“Yoh. I can’t believe it, they just let a person touch them and take photos. My whole life is made.”
An overwhelmed Cindy Adams, 16, from Belhar, says: “I have Siya’s autograph and I have a pic with the Beast. I am never going to play rugby, but hulle is so mooi, ne.”
Justin Fredericks, 15, took Siya’s hand and said he wanted to be like his idol: “He makes our country proud and he is my hero.”