Vilakazi Street was packed to the rafters as thousands – young and old – came out to show their support for the world champion national rugby team, the Springboks.
A young man waited patiently with a drink in his hand saying, “I am here to see Siya.”
Sam Maluleke from Soweto says he appreciates what the national team has managed to accomplish, but he came to Vilakazi Street to see the captain.
“I am more in interested in seeing Siya Kolisi. He is the first black Springbok captain. He is an inspiration.”
The Johannesburg parade started in the CBD, where Siyamthanda Kolisi addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support.
One of those gathered in downtown Johannesburg was Lwandleluhle (originally from Matatiele Eastern Cape), who had traveled with his friends from Protea Glen, Soweto to “see Siya Kolisi face to face.”
He says he is proud of Siya as they both hail from the same province.
Lwandleluhle came from Protea Glen in Soweto to see the Springboks.
After Siya addressed the Joburg masses, the people started shouting “Beast, Beast, Beast”. The veteran Springbok prop, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, who retired from his international duties on Wednesday, came out to a loud applause and waved to the spectators gathered at the FNB Bank City in Simmons Street Johannesburg.
Disappointment in Riverlea
The Bok motorcade was supposed to go past the community of Riverlea just outside Soweto, but those gathered could only see the Bok bus from a distance and many were left disappointed.
A young lady in the crowd at Riverlea was looking forward to seeing Cheslin Kolbe, but to her disappointment it was not to be.
Crowds line the street of Riverlea to welcome the Boks, but were left disappointment, when they skipped the area.
The trophy tour will continue for the next five days with Durban up next on Friday, then East London and Port Elizabeth over the weekend and Cape Town on Monday.
See photos below:
Photos from the #SpringboksTour – Johannesburg and Soweto parade by Dinilohlanga Mekuto. The spectators #sabcnews #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/y2bctpo2lA
— BlackBallPen (@dinanodamano) November 7, 2019
