By NNN-BuaNews
Pretoria : The Springboks have taken to the road not only to parade their winning trophy, but to thank their fans for the support which they have shown throughout the Rugby World Cup.
President Thabo Mbeki on Oct 26, hosted the national team after they united South Africans by triumphing over England 15-6 at the Stade de France Oct .20.
The rainbow nation’s pride was evident as thousands of fans braved the cold and rain, waiting patiently outside the Union Buildings to greet and congratulate their heroes.
On arrival the team was welcomed by the sounds of vuvuzelas and fans holding up placards with “Viva Bokke” written on it. On entering the marquee where President Mbeki was to welcome them, Tina Turner’s track Simply The Best increased the excitement as the audience stood up cheering for the Boks.
Captain John Smit said while the team jumped, cried, rejoiced and danced after the whistle blew, it didn’t sink in until the team touched the soil of South Africa.
“The images of vuvuzelas, dancing and music were more rewarding than winning, it is the best gift to give to you South Africans,” said Mr Smit before presenting the Webb Ellis Trophy to President Mbeki.
President Mbeki thanked the Springboks for helping build a non-racial country and said every South African was right behind them.
He described the team’s winning as an excellent, deserved and timely victory. “We are very proud of the team, it is a victory that inspired not only [South Africans] but the continent,” said Mr Mbeki.
However, Mr Mbeki said government tended to overlook the potential of building the sport from school level. “We rely on [the Springboks] to inspire the young people to play rugby.
“We want to put controversy behind us by making sure that we train and prepare the [future] players,” said Mr Mbeki.
Rugby coach Jake White thanked the President and the staff for their support during the tournament.
“At least 47 million South Africans supported us and there was no reason for us not to win,” said Mr White before taking off his green tie and handing it to the President. “I don’t think he looks nice in the blue tie he’s wearing, so I’ll give him mine,” joked Mr White.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile said South Africa would be going to the next world cup in 2011 hosted by New Zealand, as defenders of the title of the best rugby players in the world.
South African Rugby Union President, Oregan Hoskins said wherever the team was, they represented the spirit of South Africa.
The Springboks have a full programme ahead as their ticker-tape parade continues throughout the country, including meeting their fans in Soweto before heading off to meet former President Nelson Mandela at his home at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton.
They will then head to Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town where the Webb Ellis Trophy will be handed over to South African Rugby Union (SARU) President, Oregan Hoskins at Newlands Rugby Stadium.