Every South African was celebrating and every media platform was flooded with congratulations.

It brought back  memories of the 2010 World Cup excitement that engulfed our nation and I was compelled to reminisce over the 1995 Rugby World Cup when, for the first time in history, black and white South Africans packed Ellis Park to witness  the Springboks beat New Zealand.

Rugby then was a predominately a white  sport. However, when the Springboks reached the World Cup final all people united behind the team.

The same applied in 1996, when the South African football team hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sport carries the  hopes of this nation and  it is a catalyst for  national cohesion.