MBOMBELA – On Monday July 25, the city will be brought to a complete standstill as the Airlink Pumas celebrate their Carling Currie Cup victory with a tour throughout it.

The tournament is regarded as the cornerstone of South Africa’s rugby heritage and the coveted gold trophy remains the most prestigious prize in South African domestic rugby. The Airlink Pumas made history at Windhoek Draught Park in Kimberley on Saturday June 25 during the 80 minutes they battled against the Windhoek Draught Griquas in the Carling Currie Cup final.

The Mpumalanga team united in a polished performance to win the final 26-19. Exactly a month after their victory, supporters have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite players, and stand a chance to be photographed with the cup.

This will also be the last time captain Willie Engelbrecht will be seen in a pink jersey, before he joins the Stormers on August 1 after playing 72 matches and scoring 14 tries for the Pumas. The boys will commence their tour at Mbombela Stadium from 09:00. The convoy, consisting of a Citybug bus, a Van Wettens truck with lots of “gees” thanks to Rooikat Liqours, and a number of motorcycles, will then make the first stop at The Grove shopping centre. As with the other locations, the Currie Cup will, for a brief period, be placed on a pedestal where fans will have the opportunity to take a photograph with it.

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This stop is scheduled to take place between 09:15 and 10:20 before the convoy departs for the main stop, Crossing Centre, at approximately 10:45. Players will then make their way to the grass area behind McDonald’s. A jovial atmosphere is sure to greet supporters and a bunch of surprises, including a limited number of free drinks, are in store. Businesses are also welcome to put branding up on the lawn.

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The mayor of the City of Mbombela, Cllr Sibongile Makushe, has been invited to make her appearance here. At around 12:50, the celebration will make its way to Valley Hyper shopping centre with an estimated time of arrival of 13:00, before departing for the final stop at i’langa Mall at 14:15 with an ETA of 14:35. By this time, most schools will have called it a day and are invited to give the boys a warm, Lowveld welcome in front of the Piazza area (Doppio Zero).

It is also the location where fans will have the opportunity to “linger longer” with the champions, while enjoying the festive atmosphere including entertainment by a DJ. Hi-Tech Security and the Mbombela Traffic Department will assist in directing the traffic to ensure that everything runs smoothly, but motorists are advised to take note of the route and time that may be affected.

Programme of events:
09:00 – Depart from Mbombela Stadium.
09:15 – Arrival at The Grove – photo opportunity with players and Currie Cup and Rise FM interview with Jimmy Stonehouse.
10:20 – Depart from The Grove.
10:45 – Arrive at Crossing Centre. Main event on grass area behind McDonald’s. photo opportunity with players and Currie Cup. Mayor invited to visit. Entertainment by Rooikat Liquors.
12:50 – Depart from Crossing Centre.
13:00 – Arrival at Valley Hyper. Photo opportunity with players and Currie Cup.
14:15 – Depart from Valley Hyper.
14:35 – Arrival at the final “linger longer” stop, i’langa Mall. Live entertainment by DJ. Final photo opportunity with players and Currie Cup.

Coach Jimmy Stonehouse invites everyone to share in this momentous occasion, as this a small token of appreciate to those involved in making their Currie Cup dream a reality.