There was magic in the air

Currie Cup
defeat of the Blue Bulls in 2009 by the Pumas and the recent first division
final victory are just two. But those who were there on Friday night for the
promotion/relegation match will never forget it. It was almost magical.

Forty minutes stood between the Steval Pumas and a place in the Currie Cup
Premier Division. The crowd was apprehensive. The Pumas were in the lead but the
GWK Griquas were in control of the game.
But 22 heroes were about to lift
the spirit of the 6 531 Pumas fans at Mbombela. Every time the Griquas scrum
disintegrated, when Rosco Spekman scored his try, each time a Pumas player broke
a tackle, each time a Griquas player was tackled, the crowd went crazy.
The
electric atmosphere created by the supporters played a part in motivating the
home side. In so doing the players’ bulldozing of the Griquas in the second half
lifted the fans and an amazing circle of invincibility was created.
Each time
a player was substituted he gave a round of applause to the crowd. The support
at the stadium, for this and other home games, meant so much to the
Pumas.
When the final whistle was blown, there were more than few teary-eyed
fans in the stands and suites. It meant so much to them.
The home team had
delivered on the greatest promise they made to their supporters. The crowd made
a noise, and then some more noise. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse thanked the fans and
did something which had the tears flowing again. He sang Neil Diamond’s, “I am I
said” for over 6 000 people.
It has become tradition at Mbombela Stadium
that the crowd, particularly the children, be allowed to meet the players on the
pitch after the game. Once the formalities were completed the gates were opened
and supporters ran to congratulate their heroes. The players know many of the
regular fans by name. The children have their favourites.
They hugged, danced
and celebrated like family. And that is exactly it, the fans and players have
embraced each other like family. We have welcomed the Pumas into our home and
our hearts.
Thousands of photos were taken. Mini rugby games started and
young boys re-enacted the highlights of the match.
The players remained on
the field because they wanted to interact with the fans, to thank them, to
experience their gees. The message from the supporters was uniform, “thanks for
winning, it means so much to us”. The players reaction was,”thanks for making us
win, it means so much to us,”
Usually the on-field celebrations last 10 or
15 minutes. Close to 21:45 the last players made a beeline for the change room.

The celebrations continued on the field, suites, stands and in the car parks
into the next day. Over 6 500 fans will never forget Friday October 26, 2013.