South Africa’s Aussie Rules stars gets warm Potch farewell before World Championships
The South African Aussie Rules Football squad received a heroes farewell from the NW 405 municipality on Monday night before their big trip to Australia for the prestigious 2017 AFL International Cup (IC17) that will held in Melbourne from 5-19 August. South Africa will play in the division 1 group and will be in the …
The South African Aussie Rules Football squad received a heroes farewell from the NW 405 municipality on Monday night before their big trip to Australia for the prestigious 2017 AFL International Cup (IC17) that will held in Melbourne from 5-19 August.
South Africa will play in the division 1 group and will be in the same group Canada, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Nauru, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and the United States of America in what will be some grueling battles.
According to July Machete, operations and Local Partnerships Manager for AFL South Africa, the team is ready and raring to go.
“It will be some tough games, but are guys are well prepared for this international cup. The main goal will be to take home the trophy and play in the Grand Final at the the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). That is the pinnacle of our sport,” he said.
The men’s grand final for position 1 and 2 will be played as a curtain raiser before the massive Collingwood-Geelong Cats AFL match at the MCG.
The team received special jackets from NW 405 municipality with a number of dignitaries such as the MMC for Finance, Cllr. Calvin Johnson and the MMC of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Cyril Henry providing the squad with some inspiring words.
It was Johnson’s speech that sent a chill down the spine of many as he focused on the honour of representing one’s country at an international event.
“What a privilege to be able to represent your country. You are the chosen few that will fly our flag high and I am sure that you can play as a unit and represent the entire country with dignity and respect,” said Johnson.
Papua New Guinea are the current champions and South Africa will want nothing less than victory this time around.
Here are the fixtures for the event:
Here are some of the photos of the ceremony: Photos: Wouter Pienaar and Selogile Leshage
