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WATCH: Makazole Mapimpi cheered by Bok supporters while doing his groceries
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Mr Zizi Kodwa has travelled to France to support the Springboks.
World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi was cheered on by South Africans as he went about doing his groceries. Picture: makazoli/Instagram
Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi might have been forced to leave the Bok squad during the World Cup due to injury, but the rugby star still gets plaudits, even while doing his groceries.
If Rugby were on free to air channels in SA, we would be titled a rugby nation by now. Soccer-nation status is there by the dustbin as things stand.Springbok performance coupled with it's PR machinery, is shifting the nation. Supersport monopoly is a stumbling block.
— Luzuko🇿🇦 (@LuzukoMngqibisa) October 20, 2023
Proof…? Ok pic.twitter.com/FPWbChWHwq
Mapimpi was ruled out of the tournament when he was injured on the eye and forced to return home to South Africa.
He was replaced in the Springbok squad by centre Lukhanyo Am.
However, the wing gave his admirers an update a few days ago on Instagram, sharing a photo of his swollen left eye.
ALSO READ: South African celebs takeover Paris as they enjoy Springboks’ win over France
Zizi Kodwa in France
South African celebrities that include Thando ‘ThaBooty’ Thabeth, Jason Goliath and Siv Ngezi took over the French capital as they valiantly supported the national team at a sold out Stade de France.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has travelled to France to support the Springboks, who play the 2023 Rugby World Cup semifinal against England on Saturday.
“The Springboks have been great ambassadors of South African sport. They play with distinctive toughness and grace. Off the field, they showcase the diversity and unity that makes South Africa special,” said the Minister in a statement.
“I have been watching South Africans from all walks of life occupying the stands in France when the Springboks play, singing our National Anthem proudly and loudly. This is very important for our nation building. Continue flying the South African flag high. We are stronger together!”
I have arrived in Paris to back the @Springboks as they take on England in the World Cup semifinals. South Africans are in song and ready for the game! @SportArtsCultur @DIRCO_ZA @GovernmentZA @GCISMedia @JoyChauke5 @BothaMsila pic.twitter.com/YadxSkEF3P
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) October 20, 2023
Should the Springboks win the match against the English, it would confirm South Africa’s place in the final. But should they lose; the national team will still remain in France to compete for the third and fourth place playoff.
The Minister’s spokesperson Litha Mpondwana confirmed to The Citizen that Kodwa would remain in France the whole week regardless of Saturday’s result.
“The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture will watch the Boks, the 3rd and 4th place playoffs, and the final of the Rugby World Cup,” said Mpondwana.
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