STAFF REPORTER
WHAT DO you get when you cross the Bokke and Spring Day?
That’s right, Springbok Day. And today marks the official send-off for our men in green and gold who leave for New Zealand tonight to defend the World Cup.
To spread the Bokke spirit, events have been organised in Cape Town and Joburg as part of the Springbok Fans’ Farewell, a joint initiative by the SA Rugby Union, LeadSA, SuperSport, Absa, the Department of Sport and Recreation and Brand SA.
Before their send-off, the team had a meeting with President Jacob Zuma at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Monday.
In Cape Town, fans are urged to head to the V&A Waterfront where a farewell event will be hosted by radio presenters and Springbok Supporters Club ambassadors, KFM’s Ryan O’Connor and 567 CapeTalk’s Aden Thomas. The Fans’ Farewell starts at 3.30pm in the Waterfront Amphitheatre.
The event will include live performances by Holiday Murray, Ubuntu B-Boyz and Springbok mascot Bokkie, plus appearances by former Springbok players.
Prizes can be won by any fan spotted walking with a Cape Argus poster, which will be available at the Waterfront.
To ensure Capetonians do not miss the Boks’ send-off, the Waterfront will cross to a live broadcast at 5pm of the team leaving Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton before climbing aboard the Gautrain to OR Tambo International Airport.
The Clock Tower at the Waterfront has been repainted green and gold, which will remain for the duration of the tournament.
“This serves as a visual affirmation of the V&A Waterfront’s support for our national team,“ said David Green, V&A Waterfront chief executive officer.
Last month, Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula launched “Bok Friday”, which called on South Africans to wear a Springbok rugby jersey every Friday in support of the team.
For more on the Fans’ Farewell, see www.facebook.com