Madiba’s profound influence on sport
Andre Swanepoel discusses how Tata Madiba changed the face of sport forever.
In June 1995, Nelson Mandela wore the number 6 jersey to present the Webb Ellis trophy to jubilant Springbok captain, Francois Pienaar. The impact of that moment is as relevant today as it was two decades ago.
In an instant, races on opposite sides of the apartheid divide were united in the spirit of sport, paving the final steps of South Africa’s transformation to a democratic state. Andre Swanepoel remembers that day as an emotional one.
“No one had expected it and it marked a change for the country,” the head coach of Newcastle Highlanders explained.
While there may never again be such a defining moment, the profound effect Madiba had on sport, rugby in particular, is embodied in the Highlanders teams and management.
“Mandela had an influence on the game as a whole and in this country in particular.”
With a total of 31 players of colour included in the four Highlanders teams this past season, five of those in the first team on merit, Mr Swanepoel believes integration is possible. He credits the white team members too, for accepting players of colour into their fold.
“On the field, there is no colour, just playing rugby and overcoming all difficulties,” Mr Swanepoel warned.
He hopes many will appreciate the achievement of the Highlanders rugby club, not just in winning matches, but encouraging players to take the sport seriously. To assist players from the location, the club vowed to assist players with taxi fare to and from practises.
“As a club, we don’t feel ashamed to pay to bring players from the locations to the grounds. We would rather have them play than lose their passion.”
Mr Swanepoel added Highlanders was the only club in KwaZulu-Natal to field more than three teams.
“There is much to be proud of.”
On the administration side of things, the Highlanders’ first division representative is ‘a great administrator’ in Mandla Mtshali, previously elected to vice-chairmanship last season. Mr Swanepoel said this demonstrates just how far Highlanders has come since the first democratic elections of 1994.
“We will move onward and upwards in years to come,” he promised.
