SUNGULA NKABINDE
PUT ON your Springbok jersey and get to Sandton on Thursday to cheer the Boks on their way to New Zealand.
The Boks will be setting off with high hopes of becoming the first team to retain the Webb Ellis trophy.
Show them you know they can do it by going to Nelson Mandela Square dressed in anything green and yellow.
LeadSA and the South African Rugby Union (Saru) need you to help give the bokke a champion send-off.
Gates open at noon, and from 3.30pm fans will be treated to live performances by Freshlyground and Danny K, among others.
All you need to bring is the gees(spirit).
After the music, bokke supporters will hear speeches from Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula, coach Peter de Villiers and Bok captain John Smit.
Forty children from disadvantaged schools in Soweto will take the Gautrain with the Bokke to OR Tambo International Airport.
LeadSA’s Yusuf Abramjee advised that fans show up as early as possible as parking would be limited.
“At least 50 000 supporters are expected to attend… Arrive early or take the Gautrain,” he said.
“We are going to turn spring day, Thursday, 1 September, into Springbok day. The fans’ farewell will be broadcast live on national television and radio,” said Abramjee.
West Road will be closed between Maude Street and Rivonia Road in both directions. Abramjee advised that motorists avoid those roads in case further closures would have to be made.
Saru president Oregan Hoskins called on the public to join in.
“We have been asking fans to unite behind the Boks, and we are excited about creating an opportunity for them to show the team that the country is truly united behind them,” said Hoskins.
“Rugby World Cups hold a special place in the history of modern South Africa, and we want to make a memorable statement about national support for the Springboks as they head for New Zealand.”
Access to Nelson Mandela Square will be controlled for those with VIP tickets that have already been allocated. But West Road – from Nelson Mandela Square to the Gautrain station – will be accessible to all-comers.
Today, the Boks are due to meet President Jacob Zuma and be counted as part of the census that will be under way in their absence.
The Bok fan walk and send-off is also supported by Absa and Supersport.