Boks vow to lift spirits after Ellis Park heartbreak

After a sombre week in Gauteng, where the Springboks’ shock defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park left fans deflated and heartbroken, the national team is determined to bring back smiles – this time from the Mother City.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says they felt the full weight of that Ellis Park loss the moment they landed in Cape Town, describing it as “a funeral vibe” that’s been hard to shake – especially knowing how much the Gauteng faithful had hoped for a win on home soil.

The second Rugby Championship Test against the Aussies in Cape Town is set for this afternoon (5.10pm kick-off). 

“It felt like there was a funeral after the game at Ellis Park, the way it was so quiet and how heartbroken people were,” assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said.

“We always say we want to do it for the people of South Africa, and we really felt it. It’s nice when we win and can say we’re doing it for our people; everyone is united when we are winning. But we always learn through tough times, and we were disappointed. Our friends were disappointed.

“We know it’s because of what we’ve built for the country, and we apologise for that performance. But we never take the support for granted. We understand that people look up to us as a team to bring positive vibes to the country. It was a lonely landing in Cape Town and you could see the sad faces all around.”

The Springboks also wished the Women’s team well as they begin their Rugby World Cup campaign on Sunday in Northampton against Brazil (3.45pm start).

According to Stick, they are fully behind the Bok Women and their coaching staff.

The South Africans will fly the flag in England, and looking at their pool draw - Brazil, Italy, and France - there’s a realistic chance they can make it to the quarter-finals.

“We wish them all the best. It’s so good to see the growth in their team,” Stick added.

“It’s great to see people backing them 100%. Yes, the focus is mostly on the Springbok Men, but the energy around the women and their presence on the big stage shows that the country is behind them.

“We are very proud of what they are doing for South Africa.”

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have a great opportunity to make a bold statement when they meet in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Although they are meeting in the cup competition, the victor in this sold-out match — that is tied 1-1 from the first leg at Orlando Stadium last weekend — will derive a huge psychological advantage in the championship race in the Betway Premiership.

The general feeling in the local game is that Sundowns are there for the taking this season, with the champions beset with player problems that have seen their superstar Lucas Ribeiro threatening to take them to FIFA as he seeks to get his clearance.

The Brazilian was the stand-out performer last season, and such has been the rise in his stock that numerous clubs overseas are chasing after his signature. Sundowns are apparently pricing him out of the market, and Ribeiro wants none of that.

Added into the equation is the fact that Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau also wants out, while Neo Maema has left for Simba SC. Many believe that the wheels are falling off at Chloorkop.

But they got close to beating Pirates in the first leg through a Teboho Mokoena header, only for them to slip up late on when Kamogelo Sebelebele scored the equaliser.

The other semi-final clash looks done and dusted, with Stellenbosch FC taking a 2-0 lead to Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium against Sekhukhune United.