WATCH: Hie kommie Bokke
|Published
THE BOYS ARE BACK: Captain Siya Kolisi. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/ANA THE BOYS ARE BACK: Captain Siya Kolisi. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/ANA
South Africa’s pride, the Springboks, touched down at OR Tambo on Tuesday after their
successful World Cup campaign in Japan.
Having won the William Webb Ellis trophy for a third time by beating England 32-12 in the final, the Springboks were greeted by thousands of screaming supporters.
Springboks were greeted by thousands of screaming supporters. Video: Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/ANA
The first group arrived shortly before 5pm, with the main manne- captain Siya Kolisi and Tuesday's birthday boy Rassie Erasmus - arriving a few hours later.
Among the first to arrive were Cape stars Pieter-Steph du Toit, who won the World Player of the Year, and teammate Cheslin Kolbe, who was one of the guys that challenged him for the award.
Rassie Erasmus arrives at ORT International Airport. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA)
Of winning the tournament, Kolbe says: “We believed in
ourselves and winning the World Cup just put the cherry on top of the cake.
“Now we’re back in South Africa and we’re here to celebrate this moment with everyone.
“We are humbled and thank you for all the support.”
Siya Kolisi (captain) holds the trophy. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA)
His wing partner Makazole Mapimpi, who scored the other try in the final, adds: “Thank you so much for the support - it was amazing.
“I don’t have much to say, but I just want to say that I’m proud of all involved in the team.”
Mense enjoying the gees while waiting for the Boks to arrive. Video: Nokuthula Mbatha/ANA
Social media was abuzz with those in attendance sharing the moment with those who couldn't be at OR Tambo Airport:
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/Siyakholisi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Siyakholisiat #ORThamboAirport. Go Rasta😍 pic.twitter.com/q56571YqNc
— Ndebele is 🔥🔥🔥 🇿🇦 (@Lduga2)
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringboksArrival?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringboksArrival pic.twitter.com/CCGfYsaDii
— Carlos 🎲 (@_CarloDaCosta)
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/Springboks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Springboksthank you ❤🇿🇦 #FOMO😭😭😭 #SpringboksArrival pic.twitter.com/fAYeUHnyI3
— Sesethu Time (@TimeSesethu)
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/Springboks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Springboksbut for our beautiful and diverse nation. We win when we work together. Let’s build an economy for all our citizens so we prosper together. pic.twitter.com/e1hYfOZIKO
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane)