There was absolute joy on the faces of the Springbok Women’s rugby team last Saturday at Athlone Stadium when Siya Kolisi joined them before their match against Australia.
It’s not every day that you get a double world champion in your changeroom, and the Bok men’s schedule is hectic at the best of times.
Apart from national duty, they are also playing for their clubs around the world. But part of Kolisi’s decision to leave French side Racing 92 and return to the Sharks in Durban was to be back home among South Africans, and make a greater contribution to society.
And that includes the Bok Women and helping them to grow and gain a greater share of the public’s attention.
Kolisi gave great insight into the team selected against Australia in a video on his Instagram page, which proved it was not just a PR stunt.
The Bok Women spoke glowingly afterwards about the impact he made on them before their game, and he continued to cheer them on in the stands, wearing one of their jerseys.
The South Africans nearly pulled off a massive upset, launching a terrific comeback in the last 20 minutes, but they ran out of time and went down 33-26.
The WXV 2 tournament is all about preparing for next year’s Women’s World Cup in England, and improving the ranking before the draw is made next Thursday.
So, it is imperative for captain Nolusindiso Booi and her Bok Women’s side – who have already qualified for the World Cup – to beat Italy on Saturday, again at the Athlone Stadium (2pm kick-off), as their European opponents are ranked ninth and SA 12th. But they also need Mzansi’s support.
There were just over 2000 spectators at the Athlone Stadium last Saturday, in a venue with a capacity of around 20000. Surely the numbers can be much higher for tomorrow’s match?
Tickets are R35 for adults and R10 for under-18s, so rugby lovers in Cape Town and surrounds need to make their way to the stadium to shout for the Bok Women – and everyone else around the country should tune in and lend their voices of support on social media.
Let’s back the Bok Women like we do their male counterparts, to help them become world champions as well.
Cape Times